Museums of Knoxville

Map numbers correspond to the museums listed below.  Click here to download a printable map in PDF format.

2. Beck Cultural Exchange Center
Beck Center is dedicated to the research, collection, conservation, and exhibition of achievements of African-Americans. The various collections include photography, sketches, fine art, newspapers, and books. The Center is a learning museum of history. No charge. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-6. 1927 Dandridge Avenue, (865)524-8461.
www.korrnet.org/beckcec

3. Blount Mansion
Blount Mansion, built in 1792, was the home and territorial capitol of Governor William Blount, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. Guided tours and programs lead visitors into Knoxville’s only National Historic landmark as well as the workings and intrigues of America’s early frontier government. Admission charge. Hours: January-March, Mon.-Fri. 9:30-5; April-mid December, Mon.-Sat. 9:30-5. 200 West Hill Avenue, (865)525-2375 or (888)654-0016.
www.blountmansion.org

4. Confederate Memorial Hall (Bleak House)
Bleak House was completed in 1858 for Robert and Louise Franklin Armstrong. It served as headquarters of General James Longstreet, C.S.A., during the Siege of Knoxville in 1863. Offers visible reminders of the war and a Confederate Museum. Admission charge. Hours: Wed.-Fri. 1-4. 3148 Kingston Pike, (865)522-2371.
www.knoxvillecmh.org

5. East Tennessee Discovery Center
Featuring hands-on science exhibits, Akima Planetarium, Kidspace exhibit area for young children, Lego “Construction Junction”, and a computer mini-lab. Live arthropod and reptile exhibits as well as fresh and saltwater fish tanks. Admission charge. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5; Sat. 10-5. 516 North Beaman Street at Chilhowee Park, (865)594-1494.
www.etdiscovery.org

6. East Tennessee History Center
Home of a regional history museum, a premier genealogy research library, and an award-winning research archives, the East Tennessee History Center brings visitors face to face with our region’s history makers. Browse the Center’s Museum shop for gifts, books, and souvenirs. Admission charge. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10-4; Sun. 1-5. 601 South Gay Street, (865)215-8830.
www.east-tennessee-history.org

7. Emporium Center for Arts & Culture
In the heart of downtown Knoxville and one block from the Visitors Center, the Emporium includes an expansive gallery and numerous artist studios. Its spaces celebrate East Tennessee’s unique world-view with regular openings, poetry slams, and eclectic performances. No charge except for special events. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5; First Fri. 9-9. 100 South Gay Street, (865)523-7543.
www.knoxalliance.com

8. Ewing Gallery
The Ewing Gallery serves as a cultural resource in the regional community by coordinating exhibitions that illustrate current attitudes in art and architecture. No charge. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5; Sun. 1-4. 1715 Volunteer Boulevard on the UT campus, (865)974-3200.
www.ewing-gallery.org

9. Farragut Folklife Museum
Located in Farragut Town Hall and housing an extensive collection of documents, photographs, letters, and personal items of Admiral David Glasgow Farragut, first Admiral of the United States Navy and Civil War hero. Other exhibits include the Battle of Campbell’s Station, Early Tools, Railroads, Local Marble Industry, Churches, Schools, People, and Events. No charge. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-4:30. Groups by appointment. 11408 Municipal Center Drive, (865)966-7057.
www.townoffarragut.org

10. Girl Scout Museum at Daisy’s Place
Owned and operated by Girl Scouts of Tanasi Council, Inc., the Museum’s collection of memorabilia represents 80 years of Girl Scouting in Tennessee. Holdings include early Girl Scout uniforms, badges, international Girl Scout and Girl Guide items, and a one-of-a-kind Girl Scout doll once shown at the Smithsonian. The library offers vintage Girl Scout handbooks, songbooks, craft books, camping and nature guides as well as scrapbooks. A Daisy’s Place collector’s patch is available in the Girl Scout Shop across from the Museum. No charge. Hours: August-May, Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:30; June-July, Mon.-Thurs. 8-5:30. 1600 Breda Drive, (865)688-9440 or (800)474-1912. www.tanasi.org

11. Ijams Nature Center
Ijams Nature Center is a nonprofit nature and wildlife sanctuary and environmental education center with over 160 acres of protected woodlands and meadows, five miles of nature trails, and a boardwalk on the river. Ijams’ Visitor Center houses an Exhibit Hall and shop and hosts public programs, live animal presentations, and naturalist-led tours. No charge. Ijams grounds open daily, 8am-dusk. Visitor Center hours: Mon. by appointment for tour groups only; Tues.-Sat. 9-5 (year-round); Sun. 1-5 (March-November 1). 2915 Island Home Avenue, (865)577-4717.
www.ijams.org

12. James White’s Fort
The home of James White who settled in Knoxville with a 1,000-acre land grant from the state of North Carolina. Includes White’s first home, furnished with original tools and artifacts from the period. Admission charge. Hours: January-March, Mon.-Fri. 10-4; April-December, Mon.-Sat. 9:30-5. 205 East Hill Avenue, (865)525-6514.
www.jameswhitesfort.org

13. Joseph B. Wolffe Collection of R. Tait McKenzie Sculpture of Athletes
The Joseph B. Wolffe Collection features over 100 sculptural works of R. Tait McKenzie (1867-1938), internationally recognized as “the sculptor of athletes”. The collection consists of McKenzie-created statuettes, bas-relief, medals, portrait medallions, and plaques that celebrate athletic achievement. No charge. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5. Closed during University holidays. 1801 Volunteer Boulevard on the UT campus, (865)974-1250.

14. Knoxville Museum of Art
The Knoxville Museum of Art is a dynamic center for the exhibition and exploration of the visual arts. The four galleries in the museum are dedicated to design, emerging artists, the permanent collection, and thematic group exhibitions. Educational programs include film series, gallery talks, family days, live music almost every Friday night, and more. The Museum Shop is filled with one-of-a-kind art objects, jewelry, t-shirts, and other delights. Accredited by the American Association of Museums. Free to members. Hours: Tues.-Wed. 12-8; Thurs.-Fri. 12-9; Sat.-Sun. 11-5. 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive, (865)525-6101.
www.knoxart.org

15. Knoxville Police Department Museum
The KPD Museum contains historical photographs, uniforms, badges, weapons, and literature that depict the history of the Knoxville Police Department. No charge. By appointment. 800 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue, (865)215-7000.

16. Knoxville Zoo
Discover a world of wonder at Knoxville Zoo, home to more than 800 animals and world-class naturalistic habitats. Visit Kids Cove, a children’s play place, opening in April 2005. Admission charge. Hours vary depending on season. Exit 392 off I-40, (865)637-5331.
www.knoxville-zoo.org

17. Mabry-Hazen House Museum
The stately, elegant home of the Victorian and Civil War periods showcases one of the largest collections of original artifacts including china, silver, crystal, and antique furnishings. Housing three generations of the same family from 1858-1987, the Mabry-Hazen House served as headquarters for the Confederate and Union troops. Admission charge. By appointment. 1711 Dandridge Avenue, (865)522-8661.
www.korrnet.org/mabry

18. Marble Springs State Historic Site
The 18th century home of Tennessee’s first governor, John Sevier, accommodates various events, tours, and crafts demonstrating the lifestyle of East Tennessee during John Sevier’s time. Admission charge. Hours: Wed.-Fri. 12-4; Sat. 10-4. 1220 W. Governor John Sevier Highway, (865)573-5508.
www.korrnet.org/jsma

19. Frank H. McClung Museum
A general museum featuring both permanent exhibitions on Archaeology and the Native Peoples of Tennessee, Ancient Egypt, Geology and Fossils, Human Origins, and Freshwater Mussels as well as special temporary exhibits. Museum shop. Accredited by the American Association of Museums; in association with the Smithsonian Institution. No charge. Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9-5; Sun. 1-5. 1327 Circle Park Drive on the UT campus, (865)974-2144.
http://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu

20. Old Gray Cemetery
Take a walk through Knoxville history at Old Gray Cemetery. Established in 1850 as part of the Rural Cemetery Movement, the thirteen acres contain many examples of Victorian art and architecture. Named for the English poet Thomas Gray, author of Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard, the cemetery is a place of serenity and beauty. No charge. Open daylight hours. 543 North Broadway, (865)522-1424.
www.korrnet.org/oldgray

21. Ramsey House Plantation
Completed in 1797 by Knoxville’s first builder, Thomas Hope, for Colonel Francis Alexander Ramsey, a pioneer settler of Knoxville. Built of local limestone and marble, this Georgian-style house is furnished with period antiques reflecting the life of Ramsey and his family. 100+ acres, gift shop, picnic area, museum, heirloom seeds, and gardens. Admission charge. Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10-4; Sun. 12-4. 2614 Thorngrove Pike, (865)546-0745.
www.ramseyhouse.org

22. University of Tennessee Downtown Gallery
The University of Tennessee Downtown Gallery is located next to the historic Emporium Center, home to numerous area arts organizations. The decision to locate an auxiliary gallery in a replenished urban area supports the University’s commitment to enhance Knoxville’s cultural environment. Facility rental, on-site field trips, and programming are available. No charge. Hours: Wed.-Fri. 11-6; Sat. 10-3. 106 South Gay Street, (865)974-3200.
www.ewing-gallery.org

23. Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
Anything but your typical milling-around, reading-displays type of Hall of Fame experience, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is literally bouncing off the wall with lots of fun and interactive things to do! Admission charge. Hours: May 1-Labor Day, Mon.-Fri. 10-5; Sat. 10-6; Sun. 1-5; Labor Day-April 30, Tues.-Fri. 11-5; Sat. 10-6; Sun. 1-5. 700 Hall of Fame Drive, (865)633-9000.
www.wbhof.com