Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Basics

A star Nashville attraction, the Country Music Hall of Fame is included on most Nashville sightseeing tours, including multi-attraction passes and bus tours. Guided tours of the museum are often combined with visits to the Ryman Auditorium, Johnny Cash Museum, Tennessee State Capitol, or Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Some Nashville music tours also visit the historic RCA Studio B—Elvis’s favorite spot to record—and Hatch Studio, one of the oldest working letterpress print shops in the US. Alternatively, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame independently or with an add-on audio guide.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The ticket line can grow long during peak visiting hours; save time by purchasing tickets in advance.

• The museum offers two dining options and multiple retail spots for souvenirs.

• The museum and RCA Studio B are accessible by wheelchair, while tours for those with audio and visual impairments are available with two weeks’ notice.

• Plan to spend two to three hours exploring the museum.

How to Get There

The Country Music Hall of Fame is centrally located in downtown Nashville, within walking distance of most hotels. Take the free Music City Circuit bus line or opt for a narrated hop-on hop-off trolley. Drivers can park in a nearby paid parking lot.

When to Get There

The museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm, except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Come early in the morning for smaller crowds. Tickets are good for reentry on the date of your visit.

Architectural Keys at the Country Music Hall of Fame

Even if you don’t have time to tour the Country Music Hall of Fame, swing by to see the building’s exterior. The dark windows and white walls are designed to look like piano keys and make for a great photo op, whether you're a country music fan or not.

Ways to explore

A star Nashville attraction, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is included on most Nashville sightseeing tours, whether by trolley, tractor, or e-bike. Guided tours of the museum are often combined with visits to the Ryman Auditorium, once home to the Grand Ole Opry, and the Johnny Cash Museum.

Enhance your museum visit with a guided early-access tour or combination ticket that includes RCA Studio B, where Elvis recorded hundreds of songs, and Hatch Studio, one of the oldest working letterpress print shops in the US. Alternatively, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame independently or with an audio guide.

Accessibility

All museum areas are wheelchair accessible, and manual wheelchairs are available to loan from guest services. Tours for travelers who are blind and ASL-interpreted tours can be arranged, but both must be requested with two weeks’ notice. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None; the museum offers free Young Explorer Kits for kids.

What to pack

Bring essentials, such as bottled water and baby supplies, in a small bag—the museum doesn’t offer a bag or coat check service.

What to wear

There’s a lot to see in the museum, so wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the exhibits on foot.

Not allowed

Pets, outside food and drinks (besides water), flash photography, smoking, large bags, luggage

Amenities

Multi-language audio guides, restaurants, restrooms, gift shop, restrooms

Address 

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Downtown Nashville, a short walk from many hotels and attractions, including Broadway and the Frist Art Museum. You can also stop by on hop-on hop-off trolley tours or take public transportation.

Driving

From Nashville Airport, take I-40 west for about 7 miles (11 kilometers) to exit 210C, and park at one of several paid lots near the museum on Rep. John Lewis Way.

Public transportation

There are a couple of public transportation options from Nashville Airport to downtown. Take the WeGo 18 bus to 8th Avenue and Demonbreun Street, or hop on the airLINE shuttle, which stops across from the museum at Music City Center.

Best times to visit

The museum is busiest around midday, so go right at opening or shortly before closing to explore the exhibits at a quieter time.

Best days to visit

Every day is a good day to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame—just avoid Saturdays, when there are typically the most visitors.

Best months to visit

The indoor museum provides an escape from Nashville’s ever-changing weather year-round. For the most pleasant temperatures during your trip, visit April, May, September, or October.

Special events

Check the museum’s calendar for frequent events, which include live performances, family-friendly art classes, and holiday pop-up markets.