
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.