Tennessee State Museum, Nashville

The Tennessee State Museum, located in Nashville, is a substantial institution dedicated to showcasing the history of the U.S. state of Tennessee. Spanning from the period before colonization to the 20th century, this museum provides insights into pivotal events such as the American Civil War, the Frontier era, and the presidency of Andrew Jackson.

Notably, the Tennessee State Museum houses an extensive collection of Civil War artifacts, including uniforms, weapons, and battle flags, which ranks among the nation's largest.

The museum boasts a significant permanent exhibition space spanning over 60,000 square feet (5,600 square meters), as well as a hall for rotating exhibits covering an additional 10,000 square feet (3,000 meters). In total, the museum encompasses an impressive 120,000 square feet (37,000 meters) across three floors.

The museum finds its home in the lower levels of the James K. Polk building in downtown Nashville, a shared space with the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Additionally, it features a military museum that delves into the country's military conflicts, beginning with the early battles of the Spanish-American War and extending through World War II.

The origins of the museum date back to 1817 when Ralph E. W. Earl, a portrait artist, opened a museum at Nashville's public square. The first significant state museum emerged in 1937, following the General Assembly's decision to establish a museum for housing various collections from the state, along with World War I memorabilia. Initially located at the War Memorial Building, the museum later relocated to its present site in 1981.