Museums in Knoxville and East Tennessee
Museums in Knoxville offer a look at the people and events that shaped East Tennessee. From historic homes and early settlements to art galleries and hands-on science exhibits, there are plenty of places to visit throughout the year.
Whether you’re new to Knoxville or have lived here for years, these museums provide opportunities to learn more about the area’s history and culture.
Museums in Downtown Knoxville
Knoxville Museum of Art
Address: 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916
Located beside World’s Fair Park, the Knoxville Museum of Art focuses on the art and artists of East Tennessee. Its permanent collection includes works that reflect the region’s artistic heritage, while rotating exhibitions feature a broader range of artists and styles.
East Tennessee History Center
Address: 601 S Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
The East Tennessee History Center tells the story of the region through historical artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can learn about early settlements, the Civil War, and the people who influenced East Tennessee’s development.
The center also houses historical research collections and archives.
Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
Address: 700 Hall of Fame Drive, Knoxville, TN 37915
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame celebrates the history of women’s basketball and the athletes who helped shape the sport. Exhibits highlight important players and coaches, along with milestones in women’s basketball.
James White’s Fort
Address: 205 E Hill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915
James White’s Fort provides a look at Knoxville’s earliest settlement. The reconstructed fort represents the frontier home established by James White, who founded Knoxville in the late 1700s.
Visitors can see historic structures and learn about daily life during the city’s early years.
Historic Homes and Museums in Knoxville
Blount Mansion
Address: 200 W Hill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902
Blount Mansion was the home of William Blount, a signer of the U.S. Constitution and governor of the Southwest Territory. Built in the 1790s, the home provides insight into Knoxville’s early political history.
Ramsey House
Address: 2614 Thorngrove Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914
Built in 1797, Ramsey House is a historic stone home in East Knoxville. Its architecture and preserved features provide a look at life in East Tennessee during the late 18th century.
Historic Westwood
Address: 3425 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
Historic Westwood is a Queen Anne-style home built in 1890 for artist Adelia Armstrong Lutz and her family. The property features original architectural details and artwork that reflect Knoxville’s history.
Crescent Bend House & Gardens
Address: 2728 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
Built in 1834, Crescent Bend is known for its historic architecture and formal gardens overlooking the Tennessee River. The property offers a glimpse into 19th-century Knoxville.
Science and Children’s Museums
American Museum of Science and Energy
Address: 115 E Main Street, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Located in Oak Ridge, the American Museum of Science and Energy focuses on science and the city’s role in the Manhattan Project. Exhibits cover nuclear energy, scientific research, and technological developments associated with Oak Ridge.
McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture
Address: 1327 Circle Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996
The McClung Museum is located on the University of Tennessee campus. Its collections cover archaeology, anthropology, natural history, and ancient cultures.
Muse Knoxville
Address: 516 N Beaman Street, Knoxville, TN 37914
Muse Knoxville is a children’s museum with interactive exhibits focused on science and creative learning. Hands-on activities encourage children to experiment and develop problem-solving skills.
Museums Near Knoxville
Farragut Folklife Museum
Address: 11408 Municipal Center Drive, Farragut, TN 37934
The Farragut Folklife Museum highlights the history of Farragut and the surrounding community. Exhibits include information about Admiral David Glasgow Farragut and the area’s development.
Fort Loudoun State Historic Park
Address: 338 Fort Loudoun Road, Vonore, TN 37885
Fort Loudoun State Historic Park features a reconstructed British fort originally established in the 1750s. Visitors can learn about colonial history through exhibits and living history programs.
The park is located along Tellico Lake in Vonore.
Museum of Appalachia
Address: 2819 Andersonville Highway, Clinton, TN 37716
The Museum of Appalachia is a living history museum that preserves the traditions of Southern Appalachia. Its grounds include historic log buildings and collections of regional artifacts.
Visitors can learn about early Appalachian life through exhibits and demonstrations.
Living in Knoxville
Museums are just one part of Knoxville’s cultural offerings. Residents also have access to historic sites, performing arts venues, festivals, and educational programs throughout the year.
