At 919 Broadway in downtown Nashville, the Frist Art Museum pairs changing exhibitions with the Art Deco setting of the city’s former main post office. There is no permanent collection, so check the museum’s website to see what will be on view during your trip. Exhibitions have ranged from painting and photography to sculpture and vintage automobiles. Families can spend time in the hands-on Martin ArtQuest Gallery, while the building’s decorated doors, hallways and main entry hall are part of the visit too.
A former post office on Broadway
The museum is at 919 Broadway in the building constructed as Nashville’s main post office in 1933 and 1934. Designed by local firm Marr & Holman, the structure combines classical elements with Art Deco design. White Georgia marble covers the exterior, while gray-pink Minnesota granite appears in the building’s materials. The design is also known as Grecian Moderne, or stripped classicism.
Look beyond the galleries as you move through the building. Fluted pilasters, stone eagles and decorative cast-aluminum doors and grillwork bring detail to the halls and stairwells. The former post office was added to the National Register of Historic Places in the mid-1980s. The Frist opened here in 2001.
Exhibitions that change
The Frist does not maintain a permanent collection. It presents temporary exhibitions instead, bringing works from Tennessee and elsewhere in the United States, as well as international shows. Past subjects have included painting, photography, sculpture, textiles and vintage automobiles. The changing program means the art on view depends on when you visit, so consult the museum website before setting aside time for a particular artist or subject.
Exhibitions can range from historical work to contemporary art, and the program has included both shows organized by the museum and displays brought from other collections. If you have already visited, a new exhibition schedule gives you a different reason to return.
ArtQuest for hands-on making
Martin ArtQuest gives children and adults a chance to make art as part of the museum visit. Its activities have included drawing, watercolor, printmaking, sculpture and stop-motion animation. The gallery has more than 30 art-making stations, with activities that change over time. It is a useful stop for families who want a break from looking at works in galleries and time to create something themselves.
The museum also displays student art, including work by young artists. Children and teens aged 18 and under have free admission, according to the information provided for the museum.
Planning your visit
The museum is open later on Thursdays than on its other listed days, and the cafe has hosted live music. Check the current programme if you want to plan around an event. Family Mondays take place on the second Monday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and have special admission deals; check the museum’s site for current details.
Advance tickets are recommended, and the museum app can be used to purchase them. Parking may take extra time on busy days because of bottlenecks. The galleries, historic architecture and ArtQuest activities can fill an hour or two, depending on the exhibitions and how long you spend making art.
FAQ
Does the Frist Art Museum have a permanent collection?
No. The museum presents rotating exhibitions, so what is on view changes over time. Check its website before your visit.
Is the Frist Art Museum suitable for children?
Yes. Martin ArtQuest has hands-on art-making activities, and visitors aged 18 and under have free admission.
How long should I spend at the Frist Art Museum?
Allow about 1 to 2 hours to see exhibitions and explore the building. Families may want extra time for Martin ArtQuest.
When does the Frist Art Museum stay open later?
It stays open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Check the museum website for current events and exhibition details.
