A Guide To Tennessee State Capitol

Tennessee State Capitol
Anne
Anne 
Updated
| 3 min read

Nashville, Tennessee, is mainly known for its legendary country music venues and related attractions, including the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the historic Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry House and Johnny Cash Museum which celebrates the country singer’s life. However, Nashville is also renowned as being the capital city of the state of Tennessee. Visitors can enjoy free guided tours of the Tennessee State Capitol with its beautiful grounds and Tennessee State Museum. Read this guide to Tennessee State Capitol, including details such as attractions, hours, and directions to get to the location.

Highlights

Tennessee State Capitol Building 2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andre Porter used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Tennessee State Capitol is the seat of government for the state of Tennessee and is also the location of the governor’s office and the Tennessee General Assembly. The building is centrally located in Downtown Nashville, close to other attractions of the city.

History of the landmark

The Tennessee State Capitol is among the oldest working capitols in the country. It is one of 12 state capitols without a dome. In 1970, the capitol was added to the National Register of Historic Places and in 1971, was officially named a National Historic Landmark.

Design of the Capitol Building

The Tennessee State Capitol first opened in 1859 and today looks much the same as it did back then. The beautiful structure is said to have been the crowning achievement of architect William Strickland. Regrettably, the architect died during its construction in 1954 and was buried in the Capitol in the north facade. Today, it stands as a tribute to the people of the state.

The grounds

The grounds surrounding the Tennessee State Capitol feature a number of statues, honoring Presidents Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson, as well as Sgt. Alvin York and Sam Davis. President James K. Polk and his first lady are also buried in the grounds.

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Travelers' tips

Tennessee State Capitol Building 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andre Porter used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Free guided tours

Visitors can enjoy free guided tours around the grounds and the building by the staff of the Tennessee State Museum. Tours start on the first floor at the information desk. Please note that groups of 10 people or more must make a reservation prior to their visit by phoning the Public Programs Department. It should be noted that the Tennessee State Capitol is closed over weekends and public holidays.

Photography

Photos taken inside the Tennessee State Capitol are allowed, but visitors should turn off the flash.

Language assistance

The Tennessee State Museum offers language assistance for foreign visitors and groups. Visitors should get in touch with the museum a minimum of five business days prior to their planned visit.

Entry to the Tennessee State Capitol

The Tennessee State Capitol stands at the top of Capitol Hill. Visitors can enter at the west entrance and will go through a security check.

Accessibility

For those unable to climb stairs, an entry can be accessed at Motlow Tunnel entrance on Dr. Martin L. King Boulevard. Anyone with special needs should call the board number during regular office hours.

Horse and carriage tour

If visitors are short of time to visit the Tennessee State Capitol in detail, one of the best ways to see the building and other attractions of the city is on an enjoyable horse and carriage ride.

Parking

Please note there is no private parking. During the working week, paid lots and street parking meters are available in the area. After 6pm from Monday to Friday, the parking meters close to the Tennessee State Capitol are free. Should visitors wish to explore the exterior of the Tennessee State Capitol on the weekends when the building is closed, they can park for free in the state employee parking lots around the building.

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How to get there

Tennessee State Capitol

There are a number of ways to access the Tennessee State Capitol and can be planned on the basis of the distance of your accommodation from the attraction.

Car

The Tennessee State Capitol can easily be reached from Downtown Nashville. Use the GPS in your car or simply Google Maps to get directions from your location.

Walking and biking

The Tennessee State Capitol is easily reached on foot or by bike. Open Google Maps to get directions from your location after clicking on the walking or biking icon at the top of the page.

Alternatively, walking tour maps are available at Nashville Civic Design Center at a cost of USD 5, listing details of tours of downtown and the surrounding areas. Cyclists can park their bikes at the bike racks on Union Street and 6th Avenue.

Bus

The easiest way to get to the Tennessee State Capitol by public transport is to take advantage of the free tour service offered by the Music City Circuit. There is a bus stop placed conveniently close to the Tennessee State Capitol.

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Tennessee State Capitol information

20140417-IMG_1021_HDR
Source: Photo by user Rain0975 used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Tennessee State Capitol

Address: 600 Dr. Martin L King, Jr. Blvd., Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am, 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm (closed on Sat & Sun and public holidays)

Official website: Tennessee State Capitol

Department of tourism: Tennessee Vacation

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Tennessee State Capitol Nighttime
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ichabod used under CC BY-SA 3.0
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Anne Sewell was born in England, but has spent most of her life in Africa - Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa - and now resides on the beautiful Costa del Sol in southern Spain. She loves writing...Read more

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