10 Best Cultural Centers in Nashville

Nashville Symphony Schermerhorn Symphony Center is a neoclassical performance venue for local and touring classical, pop, and jazz concerts. Its programming also includes films shown with a live symphony accompaniment, making it a fit for traditional concertgoers, families introducing children to orchestral music, and visitors seeking an elegant downtown event.

National Museum of African American Music is a Nashville museum tracing the history and influence of African American music across genres including gospel, blues, jazz, R&B and hip-hop. It suits music lovers and families who want an interactive visit with immersive exhibits, creative recording activities and opportunities to make or save music.

Tennessee State Museum traces the state’s past through Indigenous artifacts, pioneer-building replicas and Civil War relics. Its permanent and specialty exhibits span prehistory through the present, with a Tunnel of Time, videos introducing major periods, musical-history content and interactive battle displays. A children’s gallery makes the museum suitable for families, and admission is free.

The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts is a Nashville performing arts theater at Belmont University for live performances and events. Its grand foyer and ballrooms combine historic architecture with modern event spaces and amenities, while free parking, multiple entrances and on-site staff support make attending easier.

Smith Springs Community Center is a Nashville recreation facility offering fitness, exercise classes, an indoor walking and running track, an indoor pool, youth programs, sports and private-rental club rooms. Its broad programming serves different ages and abilities, while the facility also includes an outdoor playground and spaces for meeting and recreation.

Music City Center is a large convention center suited to conferences, conventions and major gatherings in downtown Nashville. Its venue includes multiple large conference rooms and sits within walking distance of hotels and other downtown attractions. The center also serves visitors attending public events, including celebrity conventions and other organized experiences.

Tennessee Performing Arts Center is a Nashville arts facility with three separate stages for dance, music and drama performances, including traveling shows. It suits audiences attending productions with family or friends, and its guest experience includes organized front-of-house service and a Lost & Found process. Seating spans orchestra, balcony and side areas, though balcony acoustics may vary by performance and seat.

Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center is an art museum and community arts venue in Hendersonville. Its programming includes changing exhibitions spanning paintings, photography, crafts and other creative work, along with live performances and an art school. The center’s intimate setting supports quiet viewing, while a gift shop and child-friendly features broaden its appeal for families and visitors exploring local arts.

Adventure Science Center is a multilevel science museum where children can explore hands-on exhibits focused on technology, health and ecology. Its three levels include interactive displays and a planetarium, making it a fit for families seeking an active, educational outing rather than a purely observational museum visit.

Ryman Auditorium is a Nashville live music venue known as the “Mother Church of Country Music.” It hosts concerts and daily tours, with a self-paced historical experience, stage access and a setting known for intimate sightlines and strong acoustics.