With windows designed to resemble piano keys and the strains of country music bouncing off every wall inside, this multi-million dollar institution is a temple dedicated entirely to country music in its many guises. Whether you prefer bluegrass or swing, Cajun or contemporary, there is so much here for music lovers to enjoy and appreciate.
Inside the archives of the museum, there are copies of as much as 98 per cent of all of the country music ever recorded before the war, as well as reams of film and TV footage, photographs, programmes, posters and so much more, which chronicle the rich heritage of country music. More than 800 stage costumes, 600 instruments and many other artefacts are housed on this site. The museum's displays are always in rotation, meaning you could visit again and again and still be dazzled by an array of new pieces.
Start off by exploring “Sing Me Back Home: The Journey Begins, Folk Roots to the 1960s” – the first exhibit on the itinerary. Then head for “Dreaming My Dreams: The Journey Continues, 1960s to Present”, where you'll learn much more about some of the best-known stars of the scene, from Johnny Cash to Keith Urban. Listen to recordings, watch old footage and admire the bejewelled costumes on display. You may even see the staff working hard to preserve and restore historic treasures.
Then, in the Hall of Fame Rotunda, you can find plaques of every single Hall of Fame recipient, from Jimmie Rodgers to Garth Brooks.
Close by, you'll find the Historic RCA Studio B on Music Row, where you can see the place in which as many as 35,000 songs were recorded.
The museum is located in the downtown area of Nashville, just a short walk from Riverfront Park. You can park for a small fee nearby or take the free Music City Circulator bus. The museum opens every day but is closed on major national holidays. Head for the Two Twenty Two Grill for meals and snacks, and visit the museum shop for rare items.
