Tennessee Museums and Culture

The museum is an important component of The University of Tennessee, and participates in the implementation of the University's mission. The University of Tennessee is committed to the development of individuals and society as a whole through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit. This is to be accomplished through teaching, scholarship, artistic creation, public service, and professional practice. <br> The complementary mission of the Frank H. McClung Museum is to advance understanding and appreciation of the earth and its peoples through the collection, preservation, study, interpretation, and exhibition of objects and data. The Museum is dedicated to the support of the academic programs of The University and to the attraction and education of the broadest spectrum of participants.

Discover world-class art in a stunning Tennessee marble building that's been a cultural cornerstone of downtown Knoxville since 1990. This 53,200-square-foot museum showcases diverse collections in a thoughtfully designed space that welcomes art lovers of all backgrounds. Perfect for a rewarding winter visit when you want to explore creativity indoors.

Picture yourself stepping into a treasure trove of automotive passion that began with one teenager's dream of restoration. What started in 2002 when Jeff and Susan Lane decided to open their doors evolved into a public showcase by fall 2003, drawing visitors through its halls even on the coldest winter afternoons. Jeff's fascination with cars traces back decades—his hands-first experience rebuilding a 1955 MG TF as a young enthusiast became the spark that ignited everything you see here today. His ongoing hunt for vehicles that push boundaries or represent pivotal moments in automotive design keeps the collection fresh and thought-provoking. The whole operation runs as a nonprofit, dedicated to the idea that future generations deserve to understand where automotive ingenuity came from. Every car on display tells a story about engineering, ambition, or sheer mechanical brilliance that refuses to fade away.

The beginnings of the Tennessee State Museum can be traced back to a museum opened on the Nashville public square in 1817 by a portrait artist, Ralph E.W. Earl. A young boy who visited that museum in 1823 wrote home that he had seen a life-size painting of then General Andrew Jackson. That same painting hangs today in the State Museum, now located at the corner of Fifth and Deaderick streets. <br> In 1937 the General Assembly created a state museum to house World War I mementoes and other collections from the state, the Tennessee Historical Society and other groups. This museum was located in the lower level of the War Memorial Building until it was moved into the new James K. Polk Center in 1981. The Tennessee State Museum currently occupies three floors, covering approximately 120,000 square feet with more than 60,000 square feet devoted to exhibits.