Frist Art Museum
4.6(4,299)4.6 out of 5 stars, 4299 reviews Nashville, TN
About Frist Art Museum
An inspiring art museum housed in a stunning historic Art Deco post office in downtown Nashville, offering a mix of world-class rotating exhibits, local student art, and engaging, kid-friendly interactive activities alongside an exceptional on-site cafe.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking an educational yet engaging afternoon activityArt lovers and history buffs interested in regional and international worksA creative date spot or a peaceful solo afternoon outingChildren (highly engaged by the interactive activities in the Japan manga exhibit)Teens and Adults (ideal for appreciating the fine art, history, and unique architecture)
Why families love it
- Engaging Japan manga exhibit featuring interesting activities tailored for kids
- Beautifully restored Art Deco architecture of the historic post office building
- Thought-provoking rotating exhibitions, including French Impressionism and regional student art
- Extremely knowledgeable, welcoming, and enthusiastic guides and staff
- High-quality museum cafe with a unique menu and fun presentations like the tea pour-over
- Interactive exhibition elements designed to keep kids entertained
Insider tips
- Arrive early or research parking alternatives beforehand to avoid paying up to $54 in nearby private lots if the museum lot is full
- Be prepared for high prices in the gift shop and consider skipping it if you are on a budget
- Don't skip the museum cafe; try the unique tea pour-over for a fun table-side experience
Good to know before you go
- Parking in unverified downtown lots close to the museum without checking rates first
- Peak traffic hours in downtown Nashville to avoid congestion
- Extremely expensive alternative parking nearby (up to $54) when the main lot is full
- High gift shop prices, such as $10 for a simple sticker
- Heavy and frustrating downtown traffic
- Crowds
- The parking lot and surrounding downtown traffic areas can become highly congested and busy
- Value
- Admission is $20 for two exhibitions, which some visitors find slightly high. The gift shop is notably expensive (e.g., $10 stickers). However, the high-quality exhibits, knowledgeable staff, and beautiful facilities offer good cultural value, provided you avoid exorbitant $54 third-party parking fees nearby.
- Food
- Features an excellent on-site cafe with a creative menu and unique beverage presentations like a tea pour-over
- Accessibility
- Flat, smooth wood end cut floors throughout the galleries
What parents say
"During my recent visit to the Frist Art Museum, housed in the beautifully restored historic post office in Downtown Nashville, I was treated to an inspiring fusion of regional student creativity and internationally renowned Impressionist works. The museum’s latest exhibitions showcased a thoughtful connection between art, agriculture, and Tennessee’s cultural landscape. One of the most compelling aspects of the visit was the student art exhibition, which highlighted the incredible talent emerging from our local schools. Equally captivating was the Farm to Table collection of Impressionist pa"
2 months ago
"I give 4 stars because to park was very busy and I end parking in other parking lot close by and cost me $54. Plus to get the tickets $20 just for 2 exhibitions. Was nice the Japan manga exhibit, more for the kids with interesting activities and the installations with the ironing tables. The shop is very expensive, even a simple sticker is like $10. The traffic area in downtown is ridiculous."
3 months ago
"Beautiful building. Lovely exhibits. Wood end cut floors are gorgeous...my pics don't do justice."
a week ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
More museum kids activities in Nashville
Museum Kids Activities Cooter's Nashville
4.6(4,704)4.6 out of 5 stars, 4704 reviews2613B McGavock Pk, Nashville
Museum Kids Activities Lane Motor Museum
4.8(3,160)4.8 out of 5 stars, 3160 reviews702 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville
Museum Kids Activities Tennessee State Museum
4.7(3,398)4.7 out of 5 stars, 3398 reviews1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville
Museum Kids Activities Madame Tussauds Nashville
4.5(3,269)4.5 out of 5 stars, 3269 reviewsOpry Mills, 515 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville