Knoxville Museums

(Knoxville, Tennessee - TN, USA)

Knoxville boasts a healthy collection of fascinating museums. Visitors will not be disappointed with the opportunities that the city's museums offer for enjoying learning, interactive experiences and hands-on displays.

The most popular in Knoxville include the East Tennessee Discovery Center and the Museum of Appalachia. A number of other establishments, such as both the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the University of Tennessee Football Hall of Fame, honor and pay tribute to past residents who have made significant sporting or historical achievements.

Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

Address: 700 Hall of Fame Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee TN, 37915-3240 USA
Tel: +1 865 633 9000
Promoting women's basketball and celebrating past achievements of women in the sport, this 32,000-square-foot / 2,975-square-meter hall offers visitors interesting activities, interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, sporting artifacts, photos, scrapbooks, trophies and a valuable collection of medals. The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame officially opened its doors to paying members of the public in 1999 and is called home by the largest basketball in the world.
Open hours: May to Labor Day, Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 17:00, Labor Day to April, Tuesday to Friday - 11:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

East Tennessee Discovery Center

Address: 516 North Beaman Street, Chilhowee Park, Knoxville, Tennessee TN, 37914-4410, USA
Tel: +1 865 594 1494
A science center featuring educational hands-on displays and exhibits that are suitable for all age ranges, this is Knoxville's premier attraction for tracing natural history, world culture, astronomy, science and technology. Highlights at the East Tennessee Discovery Center include a giant human kaleidoscope, planetarium and regular student exhibitions throughout the year.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, children under two free

Estes Kefauver Collection

Address: 1401 Cumberland Avenue, Hoskins Library, UT Campus, Knoxville, Tennessee TN, 37996-4505, USA
Tel: +1 865 974 4480
While not a museum as such, this collection of manuscripts is made up of around 60,000 pounds of papers, including published items and memorabilia from the late Tennessee Senator Estes Kefauver. Part of the University of Tennessee Collection, there is also an exhibition about the senator's Washington office, where you can view some of his personal belongings and furnishings.
Open hours: call for details
Admission: charge

Museum of Appalachia

Address: Exit 122 off I-75, Norris, Knoxville, Tennessee TN, 37940, USA
Tel: +1 865 494 7680
An accurate presentation of pioneer Appalachian life, the Museum of Appalachia is spread across some 60 acres / 24 hectares, providing visitors with an educational insight into life from this period. The complex showcases genuine log structures and features gift, craft and antique shops, as well as a restaurant. Other highlights include the Appalachian Hall of Fame and a spacious display building.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, children under two free

University of Tennessee Football Hall of Fame

Address: 1704 Johnny Majors Drive, Neyland Thompson Sports Center, UT Campus, Knoxville, Tennessee TN, 37996-4538, USA
Tel: +1 865 974 5789
A celebration of more than 100 years of football, this shrine to University of Tennessee sports stars of the last century is to be found at the Neyland Thompson Sports Center, within the university campus itself. Visitors will find an interesting collection of exhibits relating to football and other sports.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 15:00
Admission: free

Volunteer State Veterans Hall of Honor

Address: 4000 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee TN, 37920-4256, USA
Tel: +1 865 577 0757
Honoring Tennesseans who have lost their lives in combat, the Volunteer State Veterans Hall of Honor is a fascinating tribute to American soldiers. Highlights at the museum include exhibits and displays relating to dozens of conflicts, ranging from the Civil War right through to recent 21st-century military engagements.
Open hours: call for details
Admission: call for details

McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture

Address: University of Tennessee Campus, 1327 Circle Park Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee TN, 37996-3200, USA
Tel: +1 865 974 2144
Standing alongside Circle Park and showcasing more than just decorative arts, the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is another popular university gallery and offers interesting exhibits on anthropology, archaeology, local and natural history. Fascinating for anyone with an interest in local art and culture, the museum explores local history and the world around us through its creative displays and exhibits.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 17:00
Admission: free