Inspiration Attractions
Matt Berry
If Nashville is Music City, then the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a chronicled homage to the artists, visionaries, and larger-than-life personalities that created that music. And don’t be misled by the term “country music,” which can have certain connotations. At the museum, “country music” refers to a broad, eclectic genre that spans from the Appalachian sound of the Carter Family to the piano rock stylings of Jerry Lee Lewis.
From Elvis and Waylon Jennings to Reba McEntire and the innovators of bluegrass, the museum is more a celebration of the “Nashville Sound” and its contribution to American roots music than a limited appreciation of any limited “country music” genre.
If you’re visiting Nashville to experience its music and the city’s musical heritage, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum boasts over 2.5 million artifacts and memorabilia, making it an unmissable attraction for music-lovers. From its permanent and rotating exhibits to the historic RCA Studio B, the museum is a love song dedicated to both Nashville and the storied history of American musicianship.
Unbroken circles and iconic musical artists
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From pre-commercialization during the 19th century to today’s modern country music, the museum’s permanent and rotating exhibits run the gamut of the genre, including its various eras, evolutions, and styles.
For history buffs, one of the most informative, popular, and foundational exhibits is the “Sing Me Back Home: Folk Roots to the Present,” a permanent highlight of the museum. The interactive exhibit features original recordings, archival footage, memorabilia, and artifacts to immerse visitors into the history, lore, and sounds of country music.
Although the museum may be fascinating for music historians, the museum also offers plenty for music fans in general. At the museum, you can see Elvis Presley’s gold Cadillac limo, Johnny Cash’s guitar, and stage costumes worn by some of America’s most iconic musicians.
You can also visit the Country Music Hall of Fame’s rotunda. With the words “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” written across the rotunda’s top, the Hall of Fame features dedicated plaques of famed country music star inductees. For country music fans, the rotunda is the epicenter of country music appreciation and celebration.
Rotating exhibits and RCA Studio B
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While the museum’s permanent exhibits ensure your experience is always worthwhile, there are plenty of rotating exhibits to accommodate varied interests. In 2022, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum featured exhibits dedicated to Dick Curless, Chris Stapleton, Bill Anderson, and Martina McBride. Along with artists, rotating exhibits also tend to highlight different styles and evolutions of country music.
To make the most of your museum visit, consider adding a tour of RCA Studio B. A legendary studio located on Music Row, Studio B is now managed by the Country Music Hall of Fame, and transportation from the museum to the studio is included with a studio tour ticket.
RCA Studio B is considered where the “Nashville Sound” was born, and by taking a studio tour, you’ll see where Waylon Jennings, Elvis, Everly Brothers, and Dolly Parton recorded some of their most memorable songs. For many, Studio B is considered hallowed ground and a must-experience for Nashville visitors and passionate music fans.
