I'm giving the Frist five stars because I'm tempering my expectations. After visiting amazing art museums in New York and other large cities, the Frist can seem underwhelming. But it's small, manageable, and routinely rotates exhibits, so if something isn't your style, eventually something will show up to tickle your fancy. I went to see the surrealism exhibit this time around. They also had an impressionist display, and also featured an artist who focused on light and shadow. So you can expect at least three different flavors of art when you visit. Staff are helpful and kind. Gift shop is a nice gift shop, especially for a museum this size. While some things are off topic, like jewelry and kids' toys, there are a lot of great art books here for a reasonable price. I bought a couple cool, quirky postcards to send to friends. Again, the art deco architecture is a high point. They also have a decent sized cafe, though you're near so many dining options, not sure that would do you justice. They have parking that you can validate for three dollars an hour up to three hours, but the lot was full when I went, so I had to park elsewhere for more dough. My single adult ticket was 20 bucks, which is five dollars more than when I visited a few years ago in 2021. read more

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It wasn't exactly what I expected but I loved it! By that I mean that the Frist seems to be more about showcasing rotating themed exhibits rather than having static galleries with the same pieces in permanent collection like a lot of other museums. Which is cool because every few months you can see an entirely new collection. When we were there we enjoyed an excellent exhibit called "In Her Place: Nashville Artists in the Twenty-First Century," comprised of a number of amazing women artists from the Nashville area. It was great seeing a collection of local art in the forefront and the pieces were moving, thought provoking, funny, and beautiful in a variety of different mediums. It's not always super local, (we had just missed the Paul McCartney photographs exhibit by a few days, which was more of a traveling showcase) but it's great to see them so committed to local artists to give them that visibility regularly. They also have a very cool kid's art-making space called "Martin ArtQuest" with tons of interactive play areas for children to exercise their creative juices that's free with admission to the museum. They also have sensory kits with noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets, and more available for anyone who gets a little over stimulated during their visit. Making museums accessible for a wide variety of kids and adults alike. They also have a cafe and gift shop with some really fun options! Perfect for spending a few hours when visiting Nashville! read more

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Gayle and I came in yesterday to see the Impressionist exhibit. She loved it, and I enjoyed it. This seemed to be the only exhibit available at the Frist, which I found to be well curated and very educational within the modest offerings among maybe 4 rooms? I was also taken with the architecture of this former post office. The building is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture featuring white Georgia marble and gray-pink Minnesota granite. They also have a nice gift shop. read more

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For a Metropolitan Area the size of Nashville, their fine art museum is relatively small. And I've seen hundreds of art museums worldwide to compare. We savored each and every piece of artwork and were finished in 30 minutes. However, what they lack in size they make up for in quality. There were some Monet pieces when we visited and impressive masterpieces from other renowned painters. Local artists also had their work displayed, and an entire hall was dedicated to art made by local elementary school students. I wish there were more student pieces displayed here, as schools like Nashville School of the Arts generate an enormous volume of incredible artwork. If the Frist expanded and perhaps offered either one more floor or two more large rooms, it would be befitting of a city this size. But that doesn't mean it isn't worth your visit. It's a high-quality experience for sure. read more

Frist Art Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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This used to be a post office, can you believe it? The interior is detailed and thoughtfully made. There is a whole section of the museum that shows the ground plans on how the building was made. Check in was super easy and all the staff was nice. We went on the day they that were celebrating it's 25th anniversary. The galleries are so unique. It's not what I was expecting at all. The one that drew my eye the most was Barbara Bullock exhibition. Make sure to go upstairs to view the "kids" area & other exhibitions. Didn't get to the photo booth but they have one. read more

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Really incredible art museum in the heart of downtown Nashville. Their exhibitions are rotating so there is always something new to see. I was incredibly surprised by the Kids center upstairs as I found it so entertaining. Loved how hands on it was!! On thursday evenings college students get free admission!! Parking is discounted with validation! read more

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The Frist Art Museum is always a great visit! I've visited several times over the years, and love that every visit is completely different due to the rotating exhibits. My most recent visit was a trip to see the "In Her Place" exhibit, which did an excellent job of displaying art from man authors across many mediums. I also appreciated that the tickets were 50% off due to the upper galleries being closed! No trip to the museum is complete without a trip to the gift shop, and the Frist does not disappoint! They have a great selection of art-themed gifts, books, and apparel, as well as local items. read more

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The Frist Museum never disappoints, but this latest exhibition truly took my breath away. The artistry, color, and craftsmanship on display were nothing short of extraordinary. I was especially moved by the stunning costumes created by talented artists and designers across several African countries. The detail, texture, and storytelling woven into each piece were exquisite--every garment felt alive with history, pride, and imagination. It's a rare experience when an exhibit feels both deeply cultural and universally inspiring, but the Frist managed to do exactly that. I left with such gratitude for the creativity of the designers and the cultural traditions they so beautifully represent. If you haven't been, treat yourself. This is a show that stays with you. read more

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[July 2025] I've been to Nashville several times but had not had a chance to check out any museums until this visit. You get a sticker as your entrance ticket and it's a pretty expansive space full of not just art, but hands-on experiences related to art. I would like to come back and visit the next time I visit Nashville! read more

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I love living in a city with an art museum like the Frist. The building is beautiful, and the curators do a wonderful job transforming it for each exhibit. There are some variety of memberships options if you plan to visit often. They recently changed the benefits for each tier, so play close attention. Reduced parking rates come with the membership. There are a few spots on the side of the building with cheaper city rates. Sometimes parking can get crowded - depends on when you visit. Love: gift shop (plenty of cool options); all employees (incredibly kind folks); Cafe Chesserie read more

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This review is strictly for the "Paul McCartney Photographs 1963-64: Eyes of the Storm" exhibit. The staff was 5-star, personable and helpful... but it wasnt the best $40 I ever spent. Yes, my expectations were high, thinking we were about to be treated to photographs of royalty and notables that only an insider could have captured. Instead we observed photos of the band members in UK, Paris, New York and Miami. Honestly, I could have stayed home and found more compelling photos online. I still have mad love for the fab four, but this was definitely a 2-star exhibit. read more

I'll be honest, I'm not a die-hard Beatles fan. But over the years, I've found myself drawn to this iconic group: Paul McCartney's humanitarian spirit, the tragic loss of John Lennon, and especially my oldest sister Paulette, now deceased, who absolutely adored the Beatles in the 1960s. She had her own little collection of books, magazines, and Beatles artifacts. The whole family scratched their heads over that one! But Paulette had her own mind she was quick-witted, with a bubbly personality -- three things I always loved about her. From the moment I entered the exhibit, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of original photographs. I didn't quite know what to expect, but I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these images up close and personal. I was especially drawn to the intimate, up-close shots of each member. And yes, I've always had a little crush on Ringo Starr (LOL) that nose he grew beautifully into and that earring! The photos of the band relaxing poolside in Miami were among my favorites: just four young men enjoying a fleeting moment on top of the world. As I moved from photograph to photograph, I kept thinking about Paulette. As a young African American teenager growing up in Virginia during the 1960s, she loved the Beatles on her own terms and didn't care what anyone thought. She was beyond her years in the music she embraced. Can you imagine her singing at the top of her lungs to "I Want to Hold Your Hand"? That must have been a real treat for the entire family! My sister Vanessa shared that memory with me, I was too young to remember it myself but knowing how deeply Paulette loved them made this exhibit feel incredibly personal. She really was on to something timeless. Living in New York City in my late 20s and early 30s also deepened my appreciation. I understood the city's energy, the culture, the music, and the creative pulse. No question, NYC is a whole vibe! I would walk past the infamous Dakota apartments, where John Lennon once lived, many times and would always pause, thinking, WOW, John Lennon lived right here. Standing before these photographs brought all of that rushing back to me. The only downside was the congestion inside the gallery. The long lines to enter were unexpected, and timed entry might have made the experience more comfortable. Still, it was well worth it. I visited during one of the final days before it closed on a Sunday afternoon, in my church dress (yes, I sure did!) and I'm so glad I went. I left with a renewed appreciation for this legendary band, young, vibrant, and living their best lives in a moment that would change music history forever. If this exhibit ever comes to your city, don't hesitate. Just go. You'll love it. And as they say across the pond, cheers to you and yours. read more

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We visited the Paul McCartney 1963-1965 Beatles exhibit. The exhibit was a step back in time. Getting to re-live what it may have been like for the fab-four on their first visit to America; places they traveled through, people they were surrounded by, fans, etc. Parking was not a problem the day we visited, a validation slip can be picked up at the Frist Museum ticket booth for a discount. The exhibit was upstairs, to gain access there are two sets of stair cases and one elevator (if needed). Bathrooms are accessible and easily located. There is a gift shop downstairs. Five stars for location to down town, easy parking, access, and a great exhibit that didn't disappoint. read more

Smaller than I expected and the value for the ticket isn't the best, but like any museum of course they have a few interesting pieces. read more

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Thoroughly enjoyed my visit--loved that they had a nice cafe where I could get an oat milk iced matcha latte too! Great gift shop, where I picked up a fun, funky bracelet at a reasonable price. Love that they sold Ayala Bar necklaces there. Wonderful first floor exhibit with a creative & educational emphasis on food. Make sure to visit the art space on the second floor, where adults and kids alike are encouraged to draw, paint, sketch, print, and more. I wish more art museums did this! I haven't done watercolors since I was single digits years old. The art deco design of the building is itself a treat. See photos and look up when you're across from the gift shop! While not large, it's a respectable size for the price and makes for a great weekend experience. read more

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Whenever I travel, I like taking in a museum to absorb some culture and check out things that the city may or not be known for. Art museums are not the first thing I think of when Nashville comes to mind, but I was walking from Music Row back to my hotel and noticed Frist. Since I had a loose itinerary, I thought it would be a good idea to check it out - so off I went. Frist covers a large area - part of it faces Broadway and another part faces Demonbreun St close to the Country Music HoF. Walking in I was immediately greeted by aesthetics; I think the building used to be a post office and the interiors are dripping in Art Deco - it made for a really nice backdrop. Admission is normally $15, but I was told because there were only two exhibits were on display they reduced the price to $13. The museum takes up to floors - the first floor houses the box office, gift shop, and both of the exhibits currently on display. The second floor has an interactive area which looks like it suited for children plus room for another exhibit that was closed off. The two exhibits on display were the works of LaJune McMillian and the works/life history of Maria Magdalena Capos Pons, though the latter dominated the exhibit space; I would say that 75% of the first floor was Campos Pons and the other 25% was McMillian. I think I spent about an hour or so in the museum (going at my usual museum pace); I thought the exhibits on display were thoughtful but even at full operation there is not much to see here. The building looks huge from the exterior so I was surprised that there was so little inside. Overall, Frist was fine; it's not a strong museum IMO, but if you're looking for something other than a bar to visit while downtown it's an option. read more

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My daughter has wanted to come to Frist since moving to Nashville. The 'Journey through Japan' exhibit was perfect timing for our visit during the Thanksgiving holiday. What a lovely museum! It was busy during our visit, but the open layout of the exhibits allowed for enough space between visitors to enjoy the installations. Although we specifically came for 'Journey through Japan', we found ourselves spending just as much time in the 'María Magdalena Campos-Pons' and 'LaJuné McMillian' exhibits. My son and daughter spent a lot of time in Martin Art Quest. This was the busiest space since it was interactive with several fun, creative activities for all ages. The museum is not large, but enough for about 2 hours of thoughtful viewing. I found myself admiring the architectural details of the building as it used to be an old post office. There's enough seating to take short breaks. Restrooms are very clean. Parking is nearby but fills up quickly. read more

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I really enjoyed my visit to the Frist Art Museum in Nashville, TN. While it's a small museum with only a few exhibitions, the space is really used up well to display art in an interactive and engaging way. The museum is inside an old Art Deco post office so that in itself is an experience! Really loved my time here! read more

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If you have children, a visit to the Frist Art Museum is a good idea if you're in Nashville and looking for something unique to do indoors. This museum has a wonderful kids' area (The MAQ, or Martin Art Quest) on the second floor. It's a dedicated space just for children and their families to explore art and science concepts. You'll find lots of hands-on activities and invitations to create your own art. When I visited, there were children and adults drawing, painting, creating photo collages, playing with a huge Lite Brite on the wall, and building towers with blocks. You could spend quite a while here with children, just visiting the different stations. The rest of the museum is nice, but keep in mind that it is very small! I walked through it in about 30 minutes. The Frist is two levels: the second floor is for the MAQ and whatever exhibit is featured. The first floor has some artwork in the hallways, but it's mostly the gift shop, restrooms and lobby. But what a beautiful lobby it is! Before this building became the site of the Frist Art Museum, it was a post office. If you walk around the first floor, you can see little art deco details of the post office this used to be. It's really neat that they kept so much of the soul of the building. read more

I went here over the weekend for a free ticket with my Bank of America card. But honestly it wasn't even worth the $2 I paid to park. Perhaps I'm spoiled from the Chicago art institute or the Nelson Adkins (Kansas City). But the exhibits were limited and honestly strange with a huge emphasis on DEI read more

The Frist is a non-collecting museum with rotating exhibitions from some of the most prestigious collections in the world. I have visited the Frist now three times, and have been pleased upon each visit. Most recently, I attended the Monuments and Myths exhibit featuring the works of French and Gaudens. Their other main gallery downstairs was closed for installation; however, the upcoming exhibit looks really cool. I will have to come back to visit upon opening. Upon arriving, parking is not free. I think it usually runs for $10/hour; however, with a Membership voucher, it is $2/hour. I checked in at the Membership desk and showed my card. I was able to get checked in, received my parking validation, and sticker pass to the exhibit. The museum gallery is housed within an old 1934 post office. The lobby is adorned with art deco accents and a sleek modern design. The gallery utilizes the original two-by-four pine floors, which are very unique to this space. In addition to the rotating exhibitions, The Frist also houses ArtQuest which is an interactive exhibit for guests of all ages to explore their own artistic skills. The main floor also has a Gift shop ranging from handmade jewelry, postcards, mugs, decor, and toys. Overall, the Frist is such a treat to have in Nashville. It is exciting to have the opportunity to see so many great works from prestigious artists in our town. I decided to get a student membership and will be back soon! read more

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This is a neat spot if you're studying art or learning about art, or if you just would like to do something. The installations are super nice, especially the interactive ones. The ones that aren't are also really beautiful. There were signs and other stuff to explain the representation and meaning of the art and that was helpful. Going on about meaning, they also have little books with pens you can write in after each gallery. It's about how the art here impacts how you see the world and asks you that. The staff here are also mighty kind! They are real helpful and awesome. Sweet art museum. I would go here again if I had the chance to. read more

Frist Art Museum - Outside - Art Museums Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Good for kids as there is a fun center on the top floor, but otherwise we found it underwhelming. Compared to a museum there were fewer exhibits. Completed the whole track in around 30 minutes. Pricing was high as well, you'd probably get more bang for your buck at a museum. Staff was very nice though. read more

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Was in town for a conference and had some time to kill, so stopped into the museum to see what they had to offer. At the time they had a very cool exhibit from Beatrix Potter, which was awesome and brought back lots to childhood memories. And they had a very cool Afrofuturism mini exhibit. Also, really enjoyed the student art exhibit. It looked like they were in the process of setting up the next incoming exhibit so a big section was closed off at the time, but the museum itself for what I saw was a nice space there in Nashville. Probably only need about 1 1/2 hours tops to see the whole thing right now, but that could look different with the other exhibit space being open. read more

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I recently went to the Frist with some friends and we really enjoyed the Beatrix Potter and the Jeffrey Gibson: The Body Electric exhibits, both of which were fantastic. There was also a very cool exhibit of local student art in the hallways leading into the main Frist entrances. I've been in the past for other exhibits, and it's always good to make a stop here. The staff are friendly, parking with a purchased museum ticket is practically free, and it's always clean and inviting here. The entry fee is fair as well (usually $15 per person). Docent tours of the exhibits are limited, from what I can tell only available at 1 pm most days. Other than that, no real criticisms to offer. It's not a huge space, so a tour of all current exhibits will take the average attendee around an hour or two at most. read more

I love this museum! I always find myself there to see certain exhibits multiple times. My most recent favorite has been the Alexander McQueen exhibit. As a fashion lover, this exhibit felt like going to school! As I walked through, I was able to look on VogueRunway and see when each piece debuted! The gift shop is always a treat as well! read more

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Huge fan of Alexander McQueen. Being able to see his collection in person will inspire you to mix different fabrics and textures with your own style . The Chicano graphic art was also being showcased . Its rich vitality and complex life in the US is expressed in posters and prints . To reflect their culture and advocate for equal justice. Staff were very welcoming. Hands on activities for all ages . Over all great experience . Go check it out ! read more

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This is a nice museum, but I feel like it should contain more. I have visited twice now, and there is typically only one exhibit open each time. Why? After paying for a ticket and parking, my expectations are that more than one exhibit would be there to enjoy when I go. read more

2 story art museum in Nashville , featuring art from historical periods all the way up to contemporary. What I really like is that half of the 2nd floor is an activity center that features art making stations that will fully engage everyone no mater the age demo. I think I spent as much time there as I spent in the rest of the museum.. and I only did less than half of the stations that were up there. The museum is easy to navigate and definitely features interesting and quality works. Very glad I decided to go check it out. read more

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The historic building looks quite majestic, but I wasn't entirely convinced with how it was utilized. Large parts of it were not open (seemingly a common problem based on the other reviews). The ticket price they charged was a tad lower than advertised (perhaps for that reason?), but when one considers that many of the hallway exhibits were free of charge, the actual paid exhibition amounted to only a couple of rooms on the top floor. The exhibit there didn't really wow me. These things change, of course, but what I saw was some very abstract work that had a ton of narration and video companion pieces you could pull up on your phone and a tour guide explaining the art, and maybe that's meant to be modern, but I just didn't get much out of the art itself. Good art might have context worth explaining, but it ought to stand on its own. I will say that the hallway had a lot of pieces from local schools, and the children of the greater Nashville area appear to have some talent. I overheard someone saying the kids pieces were better than the paid exhibition, and I thought the same thing myself. So perhaps the way to go about this gallery is to wander the free areas a bit before considering if it's worth paying for a ticket. read more

Frist Art Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

We went to the Frist Art Museum for the first time and it was awesome! It's a smaller museum so it only really takes two hours at most to go through all of the rooms. They have a really cool interactive space for people of all ages to paint and draw. This time the interactive space was themed for the Knights in Armor exhibit on the second floor. They offer a military discount for military personnel, but in the summer, military personnel can bring themselves and a few others for free. We had four adults and all of our tickets were covered - a very generous discount for military men and women. We were very surprised to find out about the discount. All of our interactions with museum staff was positive. They were all friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. We will definitely be back! read more

Frist Art Museum - Knights in Armor - Art Museums Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

A decent and not particularly noteworthy museum upon its own merits from an exhibition point of view, except.. It is highly organized and the staff are incredibly professional, with a great level of courtesy, respect, friendliness, and knowledge, which they willingly offer. Likewise, the depth of explanations provided within the exhibits is quite refreshing and helpful to understand what you are seeing. My only quibbles are that there was not a lot to see when I visited, and that the diversity of art was not particularly compelling. What they did well, however, was done well. Also great location if you are staying in downtown Nashville. read more

Frist Art Museum - Myself and my fiance attempting to look mildly fashionable for our museum day. - Art Museums Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

An underwhelming rip off. It barely had anything. Most art museums are free with way more art.

Great exhibits. They had three going at the time and all were very good. People working and volunteering there were friendly and helpful.

Very well kept building, the building history is cool within its self. Facility is clean, parking is easy and $2 if you get your ticket validated. Museum was $15. It was smaller than I expected but the 3 exhibits I went to were well done. The children's area doesn't interfere or get to loud you can't enjoy the experience. Nice museum to visit, staff is very friendly. read more

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The Rendezvous McQueen was amazing and the Revolution exhibit as well. It was worth going . read more

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I love the Frist! It is such a beautiful art museum. I recently visited to check out the Light Space and Surface exhibit. It was super cool. I loved every piece that was a part of this exhibit, especially the interactive ones! I do wish that the Frist had more exhibits regularly! We made our way through it pretty fast and would have loved to look at more! read more

Frist Art Museum - Light, Space, and Surface Exhibit - Art Museums Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I loved this museum! There was so much art, you could wander around for hours. I used a military discount, admission was $8 but they also have a student discount that is similar. I feel like I went through this museum pretty fast, and I spent about an hour and a half. I didn't purchase anything in the gift shop, but I walked through. They are taking covid precautions (I read previous reviews about them not). Everything is clean, you have to wear your masks, and there is sanitizer and cleaning stations everywhere. I felt completely safe inside. I would definitely visit again, there are some truly inspiring and beautiful pieces inside from the late 1800s era. read more

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Disappointing. Whatever was on the walls, it was not art. The way wokeness and negativity has infiltrated the art scene at the Frist is extremely disappointing. Setting aside the uncomfortable woke messaging, nothing was actually pretty. Don't waste your time. read more

Frist Art Museum - Not sure, but definitely not art. - Art Museums Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Really sweet art museum that had a great Art Deco exhibit all about the flappers, World War One, and Great Depression leading into WW2. Especially fun and hilarious is the upstairs arts and crafts area, where you can draw a statue and interact with a ton of music and arts. Gorgeous museum building itself, a former, massive post office. read more

Frist Art Museum - Art Museums Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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