Best Museums & Art Galleries in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

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Best Museums & Art Galleries in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States

1. McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture

Discover Native American artifacts and natural history exhibits from East Tennessee.
  • Historical Artifacts: Houses over 20,000 artifacts including 15,000-year-old Clovis points.
  • Natural History Exhibits: Features a variety of exhibits that showcase the region's unique biodiversity.
  • Cultural Programming: Provides educational programs, lectures, and workshops on cultural topics.

2. Knoxville Museum of Art

Appreciate the Southeastern's finest collection of American art.
  • American Art Collection: Contains over 5,000 works by American artists from colonial times to present.
  • Regional Artists Focus: Highlights the work of regional and local artists in rotating exhibitions.
  • Community Engagement: Offers educational programs, workshops, and community events for all ages.

3. East Tennessee Historical Society

Explore Knoxville's history from its founding to the present day.
  • Historical Artifacts: Contains an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs.
  • Community Impact: Serves as a resource for research on East Tennessee's history.
  • Historic Site Tours: Offers guided tours of historic sites throughout Knoxville and the region.

4. Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

Immerse yourself in a peaceful oasis filled with gardens and art exhibits.
  • Gardens and Plants: Includes 26 themed gardens showcasing over 4,000 plant species.
  • Art Exhibits: Features temporary and permanent sculpture installations by local artists.
  • Educational Programs: Provides workshops, classes, and tours on horticulture and art topics.

5. Tennessee Theatre

Experience stunning architecture and performances in a historic setting.
  • Historic Landmark: A National Historic Landmark built in the 1920s, featuring ornate architecture.
  • Performance Venue: Hosts a variety of performances including Broadway shows, music concerts, and ballet productions.
  • Restored Beauty: Underwent a $25 million restoration in 2013, preserving its historic charm.

6. The University of Tennessee's McClung Museum

Explore the world's cultures and natural history at this university museum.
  • World Cultures: Features exhibits on ancient civilizations, African art, and Native American culture.
  • Natural History Exhibits: Showcases collections of fossils, minerals, and archaeological artifacts.
  • Research Facility: Serves as a research facility for the university's Anthropology and Geosciences departments.

7. The Empyrean Building

Marvel at the art deco architecture and historic murals in this iconic building.
  • Art Deco Architecture: Designed by Alfred H. Tourtellotte, a prominent Knoxville architect.
  • Historic Murals: Features two large murals depicting scenes from Tennessee history.
  • Rooftop Views: Offers stunning panoramic views of downtown Knoxville from its rooftop.

8. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra

Enjoy world-class symphonic music performances in a beautiful setting.
  • World-Class Performances: Consistently ranks among the top symphony orchestras in the U.S.
  • Versatile Programming: Offers a diverse season of classical, pops, and educational concerts.
  • Community Engagement: Provides outreach programs, education initiatives, and workshops.

9. The Museum of Appalachia

Step back in time to learn about the history and culture of Appalachia.
  • Historic Buildings: Includes over 30 historic buildings, relocated from across Appalachia.
  • Cultural Exhibits: Features exhibits on traditional music, crafts, and folkways of the region.
  • Animal Encounters: Offers encounters with farm animals native to Appalachia.

10. The International Textile & Apparel Museum

Explore the rich history and culture of the textile and apparel industries.
  • Industry History: Features exhibits on textiles, fashion, and sewing from around the world.
  • Textile Artifacts: Contains over 6,000 artifacts including clothing, textiles, and machinery.
  • Educational Programs: Offers workshops, classes, and lectures on various textile topics.

11. The Knoxville Glass Blowing Studio & Gallery

Watch artisans create beautiful glassworks and learn techniques in workshops.
  • Glass Artistry: Features demonstrations of glassblowing, torchworking, and fusing.
  • Artisan Workshops: Offers workshops for visitors to create their own glass artworks.
  • Gallery of Art: Showcases a wide variety of glass art pieces created by local and international artists.

12. The Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts

Improve your artistic skills with classes in various craft mediums.
  • Craft Classes: Offers classes and workshops in ceramics, weaving, metalworking, and more.
  • Artist Residencies: Provides residencies for artists to develop their work and teach workshops.
  • Art Gallery: Showcases artwork by local, regional, and national artists.

13. The Knoxville Children's Theatre

Introduce children to the world of theater through engaging productions.
  • Children's Productions: Presents a variety of plays and musicals suitable for young audiences.
  • Educational Workshops: Offers workshops in acting, stagecraft, and technical theater skills.
  • Community Engagement: Provides outreach programs to schools and community organizations.

14. The Strong National Museum of Play

Experience the history of play and interactive exhibits designed for all ages.
  • Play History: Features exhibits on the evolution of games, toys, and play.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on activities including role-playing games, art studios, and sports simulations.
  • Educational Programs: Provides workshops, lectures, and research opportunities on play topics.

15. The University of Tennessee's UT Arboretum

Discover diverse plant species and scenic trails in this peaceful setting.
  • Diverse Plant Species: Features over 3,000 different trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.
  • Scenic Trails: Offers 5 miles of trails for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.
  • Research Facility: Serves as a research facility for the university's Forestry department.