Top Art Museums in Knoxville You Should Visit

Source: Knoxville Museum of Art, Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/aPWkA88TaeNMbEko6

Knoxville, Tennessee, is more than just a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains—it’s also a flourishing hub for arts and culture. From contemporary galleries to historic institutions, each art museum in Knoxville offers a unique perspective on creativity, heritage, and innovation. Whether you're an admirer of fine art, a supporter of local talent, or simply curious about the city’s creative scene, Knoxville’s museums present an inspiring blend of visual expression and storytelling.

Art lovers will find an array of experiences, ranging from nationally recognized collections to grassroots community initiatives. These museums not only showcase paintings, sculptures, and photography but also support educational programs, artist residencies, and special exhibitions that reflect both regional and global narratives. Each venue contributes to Knoxville’s identity as a city where art thrives in public and personal ways.

This guide highlights some of the most notable art museums in Knoxville, each with its own character and contribution to the cultural landscape. Whether you're planning a weekend visit or looking to engage more deeply with the city's artistic community, these institutions provide exceptional opportunities to experience the visual arts in a meaningful way. Let’s explore what makes each art museum in Knoxville worth your attention.

Knoxville Museum of Art

The Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA) is one of the most prominent cultural institutions in East Tennessee. Located in the heart of the city at World’s Fair Park, this art museum in Knoxville celebrates the region’s diverse artistic heritage while also engaging visitors with national and international works. The building itself is an architectural statement, designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and clad in pink Tennessee marble, which reflects both elegance and a deep sense of place.

Inside, the museum’s permanent collection centers around the art and artists of East Tennessee. A standout exhibition, Higher Ground: A Century of the Visual Arts in East Tennessee, is a comprehensive showcase that traces the region’s creative lineage from the late 19th century to today. This exhibit includes paintings, sculpture, photography, and mixed-media works by renowned local artists such as Catherine Wiley, Carl Sublett, and Bessie Harvey.

Another signature installation is Cycle of Life: Within the Power of Dreams and the Wonder of Infinity by Knoxville-born glass artist Richard Jolley. This monumental glass and steel sculpture is one of the largest figurative glass installations in the world and is a centerpiece of the museum's collection. It encapsulates the human experience through dramatic forms and storytelling, offering a powerful visual impact that visitors remember long after their visit.

KMA also features rotating temporary exhibitions that highlight emerging and established artists from across the globe. These exhibitions span a wide range of media and themes, keeping the museum’s offerings fresh and relevant. Past exhibits have included everything from contemporary photography to socially engaged art practices, ensuring there’s always something new to explore.

Educational programming is a cornerstone of the Knoxville Museum of Art’s mission. The museum offers guided tours, artist talks, hands-on workshops, and school partnerships designed to deepen public understanding and appreciation of visual art. Programs like Second Sunday Art Activity Day and the Summer Art Academy make the museum a vibrant, welcoming space for families and young creatives.

In addition to its exhibitions and programs, KMA maintains strong ties with the local community through collaborations with other cultural organizations, artists, and universities. Its outdoor spaces, including sculpture gardens and terraces, serve as popular venues for public gatherings, music performances, and seasonal events.

Admission to the Knoxville Museum of Art is free, reinforcing its commitment to accessibility and public engagement. Whether you're a lifelong art enthusiast or a casual visitor looking for an enriching experience, this art museum in Knoxville provides a dynamic and inviting environment to experience the power of the visual arts. Through its collections, programming, and community outreach, KMA remains a vital part of Knoxville’s cultural identity.

East Tennessee History Center

Situated in the heart of downtown Knoxville, the East Tennessee History Center (ETHC) serves as a vital institution preserving and showcasing the region's rich heritage. Housed in the historic Old Customs House—Knoxville’s first federal building completed in 1874—the center combines architectural grandeur with a deep commitment to historical preservation. The ETHC is a collaborative effort between the East Tennessee Historical Society and the Knox County Public Library system, offering visitors a comprehensive exploration of East Tennessee's past.

The Museum of East Tennessee History, located on the first floor, features award-winning exhibits that delve into the cultural and historical narratives of the region. Permanent displays include a restored 1920s streetcar, a recreated downtown drugstore, and artifacts from significant events such as the 1982 World’s Fair and the early days of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The museum also highlights the area's musical heritage, showcasing instruments and memorabilia from East Tennessee's country music history.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the museum's collection of works by regional artists, including paintings by Lloyd Branson, Adelia Armstrong Lutz, and Catherine Wiley. These pieces offer insight into the artistic movements that have shaped the region's cultural landscape.

Beyond the museum, the ETHC houses the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection and the Knox County Archives, providing invaluable resources for researchers and genealogists. These collections encompass a vast array of documents, photographs, and records that chronicle the lives and events of East Tennessee's past.

The East Tennessee History Center is more than just a repository of artifacts; it's a dynamic space where history comes alive through engaging exhibits and educational programs. For those interested in exploring the multifaceted story of East Tennessee, this center offers a compelling and informative experience.

McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture

Located on the University of Tennessee campus, the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture is a cornerstone among the institutions that enrich Knoxville's cultural landscape. While it encompasses a broad spectrum of disciplines, including archaeology, anthropology, and natural history, the museum also holds a significant place as an art museum in Knoxville, offering visitors a unique blend of artistic and cultural experiences.

The museum's diverse collections include over 27,000 art and cultural artifacts from around the world. Highlights encompass natural history prints, ancient Roman artifacts, Chinese art, American and European decorative arts, travel photography, and Native American material culture. This extensive array offers a global perspective, enriching the museum's role as a multifaceted art museum in Knoxville.

A notable exhibition, Homelands: Connecting to Mounds through Native Art, running from January 2025 through December 2027, showcases contemporary works by 17 Native artists. Co-curated with representatives from the Cherokee Nation, Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and Muscogee (Creek) Nation, the exhibition emphasizes the enduring cultural and spiritual significance of Indigenous mounds. This initiative reflects the museum's commitment to presenting diverse artistic voices and narratives.

The museum also features long-term exhibitions such as The Decorative Experience, which explores the art humans create for both daily life and significant events, highlighting the communicative power of decorative arts.

Admission to the McClung Museum is free, and it welcomes visitors from Tuesday through Sunday. Its central location on the university campus makes it an accessible and enriching destination for those interested in exploring the intersection of art, history, and culture in Knoxville.

Beck Cultural Exchange Center

The Beck Cultural Exchange Center, located at 1927 Dandridge Avenue in East Knoxville, stands as a vital institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American history and culture in East Tennessee. Established in 1975 and named in honor of James G. and Ethel B. Beck, this center serves as a comprehensive repository of Black heritage, offering a rich tapestry of exhibits, archives, and educational programs.

As an art museum in Knoxville, the Beck Center showcases an impressive collection of artworks that reflect the African American experience. The Gallery features rotating exhibits alongside permanent installations by local artists, providing a platform for contemporary expressions of Black identity and creativity. Notably, the "Tree of Life’s Harmonies Triptych" by Alan Jones, also known as Theophilus, is a community mural that celebrates familial and cultural roots, incorporating photographs of local families and interactive elements like wind chimes.

The center's commitment to art is further exemplified by its efforts to honor renowned Knoxville-born artists Beauford and Joseph Delaney. The future Delaney Museum at Beck, currently under development, aims to restore the brothers' ancestral home to showcase their significant contributions to modern art.

Beyond visual arts, the Beck Center houses extensive archives and exhibits that delve into various aspects of African American history. The Heritage Room presents artifacts from Africa, the Middle Passage, slavery, the Civil War, and the Jim Crow era, offering a poignant narrative of resilience and perseverance. The Civil Rights Corner documents local activism through photographs and stories, highlighting Knoxville's role in the broader movement for equality.

Educational resources are a cornerstone of the center's mission. The Margaret Carson Library and the Archive Studio provide access to over 50,000 objects, including rare books, newspapers, and genealogical records, supporting scholarly research and personal exploration of heritage .

The Beck Cultural Exchange Center also serves as a community hub, hosting events like the Beck-Met Gala and the Eighth of August Jubilee, which celebrate Black culture and history. These gatherings foster community engagement and ensure that the stories and contributions of African Americans in Knoxville are recognized and honored.

Open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Beck Center invites visitors to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of African American life and art. As a prominent art museum in Knoxville, it offers an essential perspective on the city's cultural landscape, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to understand and appreciate the depth of African American heritage in East Tennessee.

The Emporium Center for Arts and Culture

Located at 100 S. Gay Street in the heart of downtown Knoxville’s Arts District, the Emporium Center for Arts and Culture stands as a vibrant hub for the city’s creative community. As Knoxville’s first true arts center, the Emporium offers a dynamic space that celebrates the visual arts, making it a notable art museum in Knoxville.

Originally constructed in 1895 as a furniture warehouse, the building underwent significant renovations and reopened in 2004 as a dedicated arts center. Today, the 28,000-square-foot facility houses multiple art galleries, artist studios, and offices for various cultural organizations, including the Arts & Culture Alliance, which manages the center.

The Emporium Center features four main gallery spaces that host rotating exhibitions, showcasing works from local and regional artists across diverse mediums such as painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media. These exhibitions change monthly, offering visitors fresh and engaging artistic experiences with each visit .

A highlight of the Emporium's calendar is the monthly First Friday event, where the center opens its doors from 5:00 to 9:00 PM to debut new exhibitions. These events often include live music, artist meet-and-greets, and interactive demonstrations, fostering a lively and inclusive atmosphere that encourages community engagement with the arts.

In addition to its galleries, the Emporium Center provides studio space for individual artists, facilitating a creative environment where artists can work and interact with the public. This setup not only supports artists in their practice but also allows visitors to gain insight into the artistic process.

The center also serves as a venue for various cultural events, workshops, and performances, further solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Knoxville's cultural landscape. By offering accessible and diverse programming, the Emporium Center plays a crucial role in promoting the arts within the community.

Open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, the Emporium Center invites both residents and visitors to explore its galleries and participate in its events. Admission is free, making it an accessible destination for anyone interested in experiencing the richness of Knoxville's artistic offerings .

For those seeking to immerse themselves in the local art scene, the Emporium Center stands out as a must-visit art museum in Knoxville, offering a dynamic and welcoming space that celebrates creativity and community.

Conclusion

Knoxville presents a rich and diverse cultural landscape through its vibrant selection of museums and galleries. Each art museum in Knoxville offers a unique lens into the city’s artistic and historical identity, from contemporary expressions to deep-rooted cultural heritage. Whether it’s the monumental installations at the Knoxville Museum of Art, the powerful storytelling at the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, or the community-driven spirit of the Emporium Center, these institutions enrich the city for both residents and visitors. A visit to any art museum in Knoxville promises inspiration, education, and a deeper appreciation for the region’s creative spirit.

Let Us Know What You Think!

Every information you read here are written and curated by Kreafolk's team, carefully pieced together with our creative community in mind. Did you enjoy our contents? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. Cheers to more creative articles and inspirations!