In the heart of downtown Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum offers visitors an immersive look at the rich history and cultural impact of country music. Often called the "Smithsonian of Country Music," this iconic institution not only preserves the genre's legacy but also brings it to life through state-of-the-art exhibits, historic recording studios, and inspiring educational programs.

Recommended For

This destination is a must-see for:

  • Country music fans of all ages
  • History buffs interested in American culture and the music industry
  • Families seeking interactive and educational museum experiences
  • Music lovers curious about Nashville’s rich musical roots

Features & Facilities

  • Explore world-class galleries and permanent exhibits like Sing Me Back Home
  • Additional on-site facilities include:
    • The 213-seat Ford Theater
    • The 776-seat CMA Theater
    • The Taylor Swift Education Center
    • Dedicated event rental spaces
  • Don’t miss the museum’s historic properties:
    • Hatch Show Print – a working letterpress print shop
    • Historic RCA Studio B – Nashville’s oldest surviving recording studio, where legends like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton recorded

Why It’s Called the “Smithsonian of Country Music”

  • With over two million artifacts, this museum is unmatched in its depth and quality of collection
  • The facility has doubled in size and now includes:
    • Extensive archival storage
    • Modern education classrooms
    • Retail stores and event venues overlooking downtown Nashville
  • Fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1987, meeting the highest standards in preservation and public education

Core Exhibit: Sing Me Back Home

  • This permanent exhibit tells the story of country music from the 1800s to today
  • Features include:
    • Original recordings
    • Vintage video and film
    • Artifacts, photos, and costumes
    • Interactive touchscreen displays
  • Topics covered include major eras, styles, and influential artists—ideal for first-time visitors and returning fans alike

Educational Experiences

  • Designed to engage audiences of all ages, the museum offers:
    • Instrument demonstrations and songwriting workshops
    • The Words and Music program, used by schools across the country
  • The museum also publishes its own material through:
    • CMF Records
    • CMF Press (books and exhibition catalogs)

Self-Guided Tours

  • Explore themed displays like "Country During the War Years" at your own pace
  • Visit the glassed-in archives to view curators and archivists working in real time
  • Each exhibit case features unique themes, artifacts, and artist spotlights

Planning Your Visit

  • Location: Directly across from Music City Center and Bridgestone Arena
  • Nearby: Walkable to Broadway’s honky-tonks and other downtown attractions
  • Tip: Book combo tours that include Historic RCA Studio B and Hatch Show Print for the full experience

Contact Information

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Start planning your visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

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