Photo: Cory Stott
Photo: Maria Theresa
Photo: Post Office Fans
Frist Art Museum
★4.6(4,569 reviews)FreeMuseum
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 4-14. Preschoolers enjoy the tactile art-making stations in ArtQuest, while elementary and middle schoolers can dive deeper into animation creation, digital art tools, and more complex projects. Toddlers may enjoy brief visits but have limited attention for gallery exploration.🧡 Saved by 90+ families
About
The Frist Art Museum offers a winning combination for families: free admission for all visitors 18 and under and the interactive Martin ArtQuest Gallery where kids can unleash their creativity through hands-on art projects and animation stations. The museum's rotating exhibitions expose children to diverse artistic styles while the dedicated children's space ensures they're actively engaged, not just observing.
Highlights
- ✓Martin ArtQuest Gallery with 30+ interactive stations for creating animations, digital art, and hands-on projects
- ✓Kid-friendly audio guides and scavenger hunts tied to rotating exhibitions
- ✓Art-making stations where children can experiment with different media and techniques
- ✓Impressive Art Deco building that once served as Nashville's main post office
- ✓Regular family programs and workshops on weekends
Pro Tips
- 1.Head straight to the Martin ArtQuest Gallery on the lower level first when kids are fresh and most creative, then explore the main galleries afterward
- 2.Visit on Thursday evenings for extended hours until 8 PM when crowds are lighter and the museum has a more relaxed atmosphere
- 3.The museum cafe offers kid-friendly lunch options, making it easy to spend several hours without leaving
- 4.Pick up a family guide at the admission desk - they include scavenger hunts and activities tied to current exhibitions
- 5.Park in the attached garage with direct museum access ($5-8) to avoid walking several blocks with tired kids
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (10-11 AM) or Thursday evenings offer the smallest crowds. Sunday afternoons can be busier since the museum opens later at 1 PM, concentrating visitors into fewer hours. Avoid the first Saturday of new exhibitions when crowds peak.
What to Know
Admission is free for ages 18 and under; adults pay $15-18 depending on exhibitions. On-site parking is available in the attached garage, and the museum cafe serves kid-friendly meals. The facility is fully accessible with elevators and family restrooms.
Seasonal Notes
The museum is closed Tuesdays year-round. Special family-focused programming often occurs during school breaks and holidays. Summer features additional drop-in art activities, while the holiday season brings festive exhibitions and themed ArtQuest projects.
Nearby Eats
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden (3 blocks away) is a Nashville favorite with classic burgers, milkshakes, and a casual atmosphere kids love. For something closer, Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant offers Southern comfort food including mac and cheese and chicken tenders in a family-friendly setting just 2 blocks from the museum.
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