Frist Art Museum

Overview

The Frist Art Museum occupies Nashville's stunning 1934 Art Deco former main post office, a building designed by Marr and Holman with geometric friezes, aluminium grillwork, and a soaring marble lobby. The museum has no permanent collection—instead, it hosts a rotating slate of world-class travelling exhibitions.

Highlights

• Art Deco architecture: The exterior and interior retain their original Depression-era glamour, including the brass mailboxes in the lobby.
• Martin ArtQuest Gallery: A 7,000-square-foot hands-on art-making space for all ages, free with admission.
• Rotating exhibitions: Past shows have featured Picasso, Dorothea Lange, and contemporary installations.

History

The building served as Nashville's central post office from 1934 to 1986. After years of vacancy, a civic campaign transformed it into an art museum, opening in 2001 with the mission of bringing world art to Tennessee.

Visitor Tips

• Free nights: First Tuesday of every month galleries stay open late with free admission.
• Closed Mondays.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.