How Artist Museums May Expand Business Opportunities In Downtown Nashville
From Dolly Parton to Johnny Cash, museums are taking over Nashville.
By Tom Roland
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Over the last decade, Nashville’s downtown honky-tonk district has transformed, with bars bearing artist names like Garth Brooks, Eric Church, and Blake Shelton. The next wave of artistic venues could be museums.
Artist Museums in Nashville
- Dolly Parton’s Life of Many Colors Museum opened recently, alongside the new SongTeller Hotel.
- The Alan Jackson Museum and Distillery opened in June, occupying part of a building that also houses the Johnny Cash Museum.
- The Johnny Cash Museum unveiled a second-floor expansion on October 13th.
Benefits and Challenges
There are challenges, like the need for substantial artifacts, but the market for family-friendly attractions in Nashville is ripe for these artist museums. As Bill Miller, founder of Icon Entertainment Group (owners of the Cash Museum), states, "We need more family attractions... [and] non-food-and-beverage attractions."
Broadening Nashville's Cultural Landscape
In addition to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, three new establishments document diverse genres:
- National Museum of African American Music (opened 2021)
- Museum of Christian & Gospel Music (launched 2025)
These museums contribute to Nashville's evolving cultural tapestry, offering unique experiences beyond the traditional honky-tonk scene.