Tennessee State Museum

Welcome to the Tennessee State Museum, which opened in this location in 2018. The permanent galleries span over 15,000 years of history, ranging from geological formations and the "First Peoples" gallery up to the twenty-first century. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday and is free to the public. In addition to the Civil War, check out their Early History, Women’s Sports, and Women’s History Highlights tours to learn about themes related to Nashville’s history at the Tennessee State Museum.

The "Civil War and Reconstruction" gallery is a must visit, with amazing interactive exhibits, maps, artifacts, and timelines. After Tennessee seceded from the Union in 1861, the state's three grand divisions—East, Middle, and West Tennessee—experienced widespread conflict as families and cities divided their loyalties between the Union cause and the Confederacy. A portion of the gallery focuses on the fight for freedom by African Americans in Tennessee. The stories of both Federal and Confederate soldiers are also told, including an interactive video based on the reminiscences of Sam Watkins, a Confederate soldier from Maury County, Tennessee who fought in numerous battles of the Western Theater as a member of the 1st Tennessee Infantry Regiment.

You’ll also see a touchscreen that allows visitors to explore battles and skirmishes from across Tennessee along with corresponding statistics and artifacts in the museum's collection. As you circle around this gallery, you get an understanding of the impact the war had on soldiers and civilians alike.

Before we leave, I encourage you to explore Bicentennial Mall State Park, which runs parallel to the museum. Look for a timeline that runs along the western side of the park, near Seventh Avenue. You will also want to explore the Tennessee State Library & Archives located immediately across the Mall from the State Museum. The State Library & Archives serves as the caretaker of the state’s most precious documents and photographs, and includes thousands of letters, diaries, images, maps, muster rolls, books, and documents from Civil War Tennessee. Interactive exhibits are located in the lobby. And don’t forget our Downtown Civil War walking tour! 

Exit the parking lot by turning RIGHT onto Rosa Parks Blvd. At the light, take a RIGHT onto Jefferson Street. Learn more about this historic corridor on our Jefferson Street Driving Tour. Cross over the Cumberland River, then RIGHT onto South First Street. Follow First Street toward Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans, crossing over Main Street then turning RIGHT onto Russell Street then LEFT onto Titans Way. You can find free parking along this street, which borders the East Bank Greenway. After you park, walk toward the corner of Titans Way and Victory Ave. Your next stop is at the Surrender of Nashville historical marker.