Top Museums in Tennessee

I think taking the guided tour is worth the extra cash—our guide shared so many behind-the-scenes stories that really brought everything to life!

Don’t skip the gift shop! They have unique merch you won’t find anywhere else, and I found some great souvenirs for family without breaking the bank.

You might want to visit on a weekday if you can. It was way quieter than weekends, so we could actually enjoy the exhibits and take our time without the crowds.

Plan for about 2-3 hours. It might look small but there’s a lot of cool stuff to see! I felt like I rushed through at first, but once I slowed down, I really enjoyed it.

Bring a camera! The architecture and sculptures are stunning, and you won't want to miss capturing these memories. I took lots of awesome shots that I've shared with friends.

Take advantage of the free admission day if your schedule allows; I went to the free first Saturday event, and it felt like a bonus visit with additional activities.

Check out the full-scale replica of the statue of Athena inside—it’s a highlight! I almost missed it, so make sure to give yourself time to explore the interior.

I suggest checking out the planetarium shows! They were a highlight for me, but seating can fill up fast. Get the schedule as soon as you arrive.

Look for discount tickets online or through local tourism outlets. I ended up paying full price, which was a bummer since I later saw deals on Groupon!

Bring your own snacks and drinks. The cafe is decent, but it can be pricey, and there’s limited seating. My advice is to grab a bite outside and then come back!

My advice is to bring snacks and drinks; the café options are limited and pricey. Packing a little something saved me time and money during my visit.

I recommend using the audio guide! It gives great insights on the artwork and helps you appreciate things more. Just don’t forget to return it!

If you're a fan of the Dukes of Hazzard def make time for the photo ops with the General Lee. It’s a fun touch! I suggest going right when it opens around 10 AM to avoid the crowds.

My advice is to check out the special exhibits first – they're usually super interesting and worth your time. I found the permanent collection was busier and it's easy to get overwhelmed.

If you're a fan of history, b sure to snag a brochure at the entrance... It points out highlights you don’t wanna miss... I walked around a bit aimlessly at first, wishing I had one!

I think you should take advantage of the free admission – it really allows you to spend freely on souvenirs or snacks without feeling guilty. I bought some cool stuff without breaking the bank!

My advice is to bring cash for the gift shop. I ended up paying more in fees when I used my card and didn't expect that

I think the audio tours are super helpful, but I would suggest downloading the app in advance since the Wi-Fi was kinda spotty inside

If you're on a budget consider visiting during the weekday instead of the weekend. I visited on a Friday and it was much quieter - more time to take in the history without the crowds!

Don't skip the gift shop! It’s got some cool memorabilia that you won’t find anywhere else, and prices are pretty reasonable for the unique items.