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Stop 6 of 12

Tennessee State Museum - Part 1

As you arrive at the Tennessee State Museum, you're stepping into a space dedicated to telling the story of Tennessee—from deep prehistory to the present day. And the best part about the museum? It’s free, just walk right in and the staff will guide you to the permanent exhibit. This is also a great place to take a rest, and go next door to the Farmer’s Market if you’re hungry.

Congratulations! You've completed part one of the Archaeology of Indigenous Nashville driving tour on Nashville Sites. Be sure to keep listening and take the other half of the tour, which focuses on the northern end of Davidson County. Please consider making a small donation so that we can continue to create engaging tours that are free and accessible to all. Ok Savannah, you’re up! This is Trenton Wheeler signing off.

Tour Stops
Full Record & Citation
Title Tennessee State Museum
Creator Nashville Historical Foundation
Author Sarah Williams, MTSU Student; 2019
Date 1937; 1981; 2018
Address 161 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37203
Description Early records indicate that there was a museum in Nashville's public square as early as 1817. The Tennessee General Assembly did not establish the official museum, located in the War Memorial Building, until 1937. It relocated to the James K. Polk Center in 1981. A 137,000 square foot building opened in October 2018 near Bicentennial Mall State Park. The current building uses limestone, Tennessee Marble, bronze, and White Oak finished. The southeast corner features a curving façade with two-story glass windows and an upper veranda to simulate a front porch. The museum also owns and maintains the Lorraine Motel and neighboring properties in Memphis.
Type Building
Coverage Area 4
Source EOA Architects, architecture firm
Contributor Tennessee General Assembly; State of Tennessee
Subject Downtown; Education; Entertainment; Museums; New Nashville; Post-World War II; Recreation
Keywords Bicentennial Mall, Buildings, State Government, Tennessee State Museum, Civil Rights, Civil War
Rights CC BY-NC 4.0
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