Welcome to the Tennessee State Museum
Our exhibitions examine the history, art and culture, and chronicle the state’s history from its first peoples to the present day. It does so through exhibitions of its extensive collection of historic Tennessee art and artifacts, as well as documentary films, interactive displays and complementary programming.
Tennessee Time Tunnel serves as the backbone for the Museum, combining content-rich artifacts, exhibits and 
stories from our permanent collection with engaging media and thought-provoking interactives for a multi-layered experience.
Map to Museum galleries and other locations
Permanent Exhibitions:
Natural History
First Peoples (13,000 BCE to 1760 CE)
Forging a Nation (1760 to 1860)
Civil War and Reconstruction (1860 to 1870)
Change and Challenge (1870 to 1945)
Tennessee Transforms (1945 to Present)
Temporary Exhibitions:
Ratified! Tennessee Women and the Right to Vote
Tennessee and the Great War: A Centennial Exhibition
Early Expressions: Art in Tennessee before 1900
In Search of the New: Art in Tennessee after 1900
Why Do Museums Collect?
Children’s Gallery
Others State Museum sites:
Tennessee State Capitol
Military Branch of the Tennessee State Museum
Admission and Hours:
There is no admission charge to the State Museum. Hours for the Museum are:
Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday and Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Guidelines
• Packages must be checked in at the front desk
• Phone charging stations are available in secured lockers
• Photography without a flash is permitted for personal use only
• Please do not touch the objects in the exhibits
• No food or drink is allowed in the galleries
• No smoking
• Lost and found is located at the Visitor Desk or by calling (615) 741-2692
Accessibility
All of the Museum’s public entrances are accessible to individuals with disabilities. There are elevators located near the Visitor Desk to take patrons to the exhibitions on the second floor. If you would like to request a wheelchair, please ask at the Visitor Desk. Visitors with special needs should call (615) 741-2692 during regular office hours.
Service dogs or service dogs-in-training are welcome to visit. The service dog must be under physical or voice control of the guest at all times.
Museum Store
After you finish your tour, visit the Tennessee Museum Store on the first level of the Museum for a unique history and art-focused shopping experience. Browse a selection of handmade items from artisans throughout Tennessee, along with state history-related merchandise, a vast collection of books, specialty gift items, local foods and apparel. The Museum Store is open the same hours as the Museum.
Social Media
As long as you don’t use flash, photographs are encouraged and please share them along with your comments on our social media sites:
Enjoy your visit!