Cheekwood is a historic estate in Nashville’s Belle Meade area, about eight miles southwest of downtown. Its former family mansion now houses art galleries, while gardens, ponds and outdoor sculpture fill the surrounding grounds. Walk the Japanese Garden and woodland sculpture trail, then explore the house’s preserved rooms and American art. Seasonal displays add another reason to visit, from spring bulbs to winter lights. There is plenty to cover on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and plan to see the gardens in daylight.
The estate and its history
Cheekwood began as the home of Leslie and Mabel Cheek, whose family made its fortune through the Maxwell House coffee business. Built in 1929, the estate reflects the American Country Place Era, when wealthy families created large country homes with designed gardens. The Georgian-style mansion and grounds were planned by architect Bryant Fleming. The family looked to English country houses for inspiration, and brought architectural elements, furniture and décor back from a trip to England while the house was being built.
The mansion opened as a public art museum and botanical garden in 1960. Its former family rooms preserve furnishings and offer a look at how the house was lived in, while other rooms now hold gallery displays. This combination of domestic interiors and art collections gives the visit two distinct parts: the history of the house and the work shown within it.
Art inside the mansion and outdoors
The museum’s collections include American paintings, prints, drawings and photographs, alongside American and British decorative arts. Works in the galleries span different periods, and exhibitions can bring contemporary art into the historic rooms. The collection includes paintings by Childe Hassam and Andy Warhol, as well as works on paper and photography. Decorative pieces include Worcester porcelain and American silver.
Art continues beyond the mansion. The Carell Woodland Sculpture Trail runs through the wooded grounds, placing contemporary works along the route. The estate has also displayed works by artists including James Turrell, Jenny Holzer and Alicja Kwade. Take time to look at the installations as part of the walk, rather than treating the trail as simply a way between gardens. The Frist Learning Center is another place on the grounds for contemporary work, including projects created through the Shallenberger Artist-in-Residence program.
Gardens and seasonal displays
The estate’s cultivated gardens each have their own arrangement and planting. The Japanese Garden, reflecting pool, Rose Garden and Color Garden are among the places to explore. Paths also lead through wooded areas and open lawns, with sculptures and water features appearing across the grounds. The gardens change with the seasons, so the displays are different at different times of year.
Spring brings a large show of flowering bulbs, including daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths and snowdrops. Cheekwood in Bloom pairs the flowers with family activities and seasonal events. Autumn brings its own festival displays, while Holiday LIGHTS turns the gardens into an evening walk with illuminated installations. If the garden landscape is your main reason for going, visit in daylight; for the winter lights, plan around the evening event instead.
Planning a walk around the grounds
Cheekwood is a substantial outdoor visit, with garden paths and a woodland route to cover on foot. Comfortable shoes help on the walking trails, and a refillable bottle is useful while exploring. Give yourself daylight to see the planting and outdoor sculpture clearly. Families can add the children’s garden and activities to the route, while art-focused visits can include the mansion galleries and sculpture trail.
The estate is at 1200 Forrest Park Drive in Nashville, southwest of downtown. The parking area is gravelly, which can be a consideration for visitors with mobility concerns; a drop-off near the top may make arrival easier. The grounds include accessible entrances, restrooms and parking, as well as workshops and exhibits. Tickets are recommended in advance.
Häufige Fragen
Where is Cheekwood in Nashville?
Cheekwood is at 1200 Forrest Park Drive, about eight miles southwest of downtown Nashville in the Belle Meade area.
What can you see at Cheekwood?
Explore the former Cheek family mansion and its art galleries, the gardens, and the Carell Woodland Sculpture Trail. Seasonal displays include spring flowers and winter lights.
How long does a visit to Cheekwood take?
The available information does not specify a typical visit length. The estate has gardens, a mansion museum and a woodland sculpture trail, so allow time for walking.
Should you buy Cheekwood tickets in advance?
Advance tickets are recommended.
