Vision
The vision of the Frist Art Museum is to inspire people through art to look at their world in new ways.
Mission
The mission of the Frist Art Museum is to present and originate high-quality exhibitions with related educational programs and community outreach activities.
About
Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Frist Art Museum opened in 2001 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art exhibition center dedicated to presenting and originating high-quality exhibitions with related educational programs and community outreach activities. The Frist is a non-collecting museum and hosts 12–15 exhibitions from some of the most prestigious collections in the world, as well as award-winning shows organized in-house. Our exhibitions change every few months, so plan to visit often to see what’s new. See a list of current exhibitions and current events being offered.
The Frist Art Museum was conceived as a family-friendly place, and one of its most popular destinations is the award-winning Martin ArtQuest (MAQ) Gallery. MAQ is a fun, innovative space alive with creativity and wonder. With ever-changing interactive stations and the support of knowledgeable staff, guests of all ages and abilities can explore exhibition concepts through hands-on learning. A visit to MAQ is free with gallery admission for adults and always free for youth 18 and younger.
While at the Frist Art Museum, be sure to stop by the Frist Art Museum’s beautiful gift shop. There, you’ll find a fabulous array of art prints, books, educational materials, art supplies, clothing, blown glass, pottery, and magnificent jewelry made by local and regional artisans. Items are available in a wide range of prices, so there’s always something to fit your budget. Because much of the merchandise is tied to exhibitions on view in the galleries, the inventory changes often. No wonder it’s often called the best gift shop in Nashville. Discounts for Frist Art Museum members can make it a bargain hunter’s dream!
Guests are welcome to relax and eat in the Turner Courtyard, which also serves as a site for weddings, events, and other celebrations (see our venue rental page for details). Our Rose on 65th Street sculpture has appeared in countless portraits (and some proposals!) since its arrival in 2012. Frist Art Museum memberships are available at a number of levels and are a great bargain. Membership is another great Frist Art Museum value and includes unlimited visits, special member-only invitations, gift shop discounts, discounted parking, guest passes, and special rates on venue rental, just to name a few benefits.
The Frist Art Museum is currently open five days a week (Monday: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Thursday: 10 a.m.–8:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m., and Sunday: 1–5:30 p.m.). For information on adult or student tours, click here.
