Amanda PhillipsMusic City: a place doesn’t just randomly happen upon a nickname like this, it has to be earned by music fans across the world. And Nashville has certainly earned that accolade and respect. These streets and buildings helped cement the genres of blues, country and rock & roll, and that musical history still beats through the city’s atmosphere to this day.
If you’re a music fan, then Nashville has to be on your list – with these 10 music-themed attractions at the top of your itinerary!
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Found in the heart of Nashville’s downtown entertainment district, this 130,000-square-foot museum is a wonderland of rhinestone costumes, acoustic guitars, interactive exhibitions and classic lyrics sheets. Current and upcoming exhibits include country legends such as Charlie Daniels and Loretta Lynn as well as modern day idols such as Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
What makes this museum extra special and a must-visit for any music and pop-culture enthusiast is that it pays homage to the musicians who have worked in some of the world’s most famous tracks – whether they were the frontman or the behind-the-scenes drummer. The museum is also designed so that six American cities that have a renowned reputations for producing great music get their own chance to shine (Detroit, Nashville, Muscle Shoals, L.A., Memphis and New York).
Music City Walk of Fame Park
Taking inspiration from Los Angeles Walk of Fame, the stars on Nashville’s Music Mile pays homage to individuals (whether famous or behind the scenes) who have made significant contributions to the city’s musical heritage – names such as Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Reba McEntire, Emmylou Harris, Little Richard and Hank Williams are already dotted around the park. Induction ceremonies are opened to the public and happen twice a year in April and November.
The Johnny Cash Museum
For many, Johnny Cash is the epitome of country music and opening his namesake museum right in the middle of Nashville’s heart is a fitting tribute. Even the most diehard fans will be mesmerised walking from room-to-room as they are reminded by how long and colourful his career was.
Fontanel Mansion
Previously owned by country legend, Barbara Mandrell, this 27,000 square foot log home is Nashville’s only country music mansion tour. The house was designed by Mandrell herself and boasts 20 rooms, 13 bathrooms, 5 fireplaces, 2 kitchens, an indoor pool, and even an indoor shooting range. Throughout the house, music fans will spot memorabilia associated with Mandrel as well as other rock stars associated with Fontanel.
Loretta Lynn’s Ranch
Another country star to open up their private property to their fans is Loretta Lynn – who even makes the odd appearance and performs for her guests! She also built the Coal Miner’s Daughter museum on the property, where she has amassed a huge collection of memorabilia from her own career (and the careers of some of her friends). Then there’s the addition of the Loretta’s Fan & Doll Museum, where she displays all the gifts she has received from her fans over the years.
Nashville Symphony
The GRAMMY® Award-winning Nashville Symphony host roughly 140 performances a year with a broad range of classical, pop and jazz musical styles. There’s also a range of educational and community programmes on offer throughout the year for adults and children.
National Museum of African American Music
Even though this landmark museum won’t be open until 2019, it will be the first of its kind in the country. It will serve as a space that celebrates music created by African-American musicians, and the music influenced by it. There are plans to build five exhibitions that represent blues, gospel, jazz, R&B, and hip hop – all genres that have been heavily shaped by African-American communities.
Ryman Auditorium
Visit (or even book tickets to a show!) what is considered to be one of the most legendary theatres in Nashville that offers some of the best acoustics in the world. As you step through the front doors, you’ll be walking in the same shoes as Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Minnie Pearl, and even president Theodore Roosevelt (to name a few). To this day, the auditorium attracts some of the biggest named in music – regardless of genre – including the Foo Fighters, Lana Del Ray, Tom Jones and Ed Sheeran.