Barred Owl
ParkTennessee, US
Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art
Nestled on 55 acres in Nashville, Tennessee, Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art is a premier destination where art, nature, and history converge.
About
Nestled on 55 acres in Nashville, Tennessee, Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art is a premier destination where art, nature, and history converge. This historic estate, once the residence of the prominent Cheek family, stands as one of the finest examples of an American Country Place Era estate, captivating visitors with its blend of world-class art exhibitions, spectacular gardens, and a grand Georgian-style mansion.
The estate boasts 13 distinct gardens, each offering a unique horticultural experience, from the serene Blevins Japanese Garden to the vibrant Bradford Robertson Color Garden, which bursts with seasonal blooms. Art enthusiasts will be delighted by the Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail, featuring contemporary outdoor sculptures integrated into the natural landscape, alongside a significant American art collection housed within the historic mansion. This collection includes works by American Impressionists, William Edmondson sculptures, and an impressive display of Worcester porcelain.
A visit to Cheekwood is a journey through beauty and culture, offering a peaceful escape and engaging experiences for all ages. With a dynamic calendar of seasonal festivals, such as the breathtaking "Cheekwood in Bloom" in spring with its 250,000 bulbs, and the magical "Holiday LIGHTS" in winter, there's always something new and memorable to discover. Whether seeking inspiration, education, or simply a tranquil moment surrounded by natural and artistic splendor, Cheekwood provides an unforgettable experience. Eager to name that creature? Identify any animal you find during your visit using the Snappit app.
Cheekwood was originally envisioned and brought to life by Leslie and Mabel Cheek between 1929 and 1932. Leslie Cheek, a prominent figure in Nashville and an investor in the Maxwell House Coffee fortune, commissioned New York architect Bryant Fleming to design their opulent country estate. The resulting 30,000-square-foot Georgian-style mansion and extensive formal gardens were inspired by the grand English manors of the 18th century. After Leslie Cheek's passing, Mabel and their daughter, Huldah Cheek Sharp, continued to reside at the estate. In the 1950s, Huldah and her husband generously offered the property to the community as a site for a botanical garden and art museum. Through the dedicated efforts of various civic groups and with funds from the former Nashville Museum of Art, Cheekwood officially opened its doors to the public in 1960, transforming a private family estate into a cherished cultural institution.
What to do here
Wander through diverse botanical gardens, explore the historic mansion and its art collections, hike the woodland sculpture trail, participate in family activities, attend workshops, enjoy live music during evening events, and experience immersive seasonal exhibitions.
Seasonal info
Spring: Witness the spectacular "Cheekwood in Bloom" festival with over 250,000 tulips, daffodils, and other spring bulbs, along with flowering dogwoods and redbuds.
Summer: Enjoy "Summertime at Cheekwood" events, including Thursday Night Out concerts, and potentially unique temporary installations like "Enchanted Castles." "Dog Nights of Summer" are also held on select evenings.
Fall: Experience "Cheekwood Harvest" (implied by festivals) with vibrant autumn foliage, pumpkin displays, and mums.
Winter: Marvel at "Holiday LIGHTS," a mile-long illuminated trail, with opportunities to see real reindeer and explore the Holiday Marketplace.
Accessibility
Cheekwood strives to be accessible with paved pathways throughout many gardens and leading to the museum. The Historic Mansion & Museum of Art has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an elevator providing access to most floors (some historic rooms may have limited access). Accessible restrooms are available in each building. Complimentary manual wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis at Admissions. Golf cart shuttles are offered for assistance along the main path from Admissions to the mansion, including wheelchair-accessible options. Accessible parking spaces are also available.
Don't miss
1
Historic Mansion & Museum of Art
Explore furnished period rooms and galleries featuring American art, including the world's largest collection of William Edmondson sculptures, American Impressionist paintings, and Worcester porcelain.
2
Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail
A 1.5-mile woodland path showcasing outdoor contemporary sculptures that interact with the natural surroundings, including a James Turrell Skyspace and Siah Armajani's Glass Bridge.
3
Blevins Japanese Garden
A tranquil space designed for reflection and peace.
4
Bradford Robertson Color Garden
Known for its dynamic and carefully curated seasonal floral displays.
Wildlife you might spot
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Snap map for this place
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Good to know before you go
Book in advance
** Always purchase timed-entry tickets online before your visit, especially during weekends, holidays, or special events, to secure your admission and parking.
Wear comfortable shoes
The estate covers 55 acres with diverse terrain, including paved paths, mulched trails, and some uneven surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring.
Check the event calendar
Plan your visit around Cheekwood's seasonal festivals and events, such as "Cheekwood in Bloom" (spring) or "Holiday LIGHTS" (winter), for unique and immersive experiences.
Utilize assistance if needed
Complimentary manual wheelchairs are available at admissions, and golf cart shuttles operate along the main path for guests who need assistance getting to the Historic Mansion and Museum.
Bring a picnic
You are welcome to bring your own food and enjoy a picnic on the grounds. Note that glass containers and outside alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
Allow ample time
To truly appreciate all that Cheekwood offers, allocate at least 3-5 hours for your visit, especially if you plan to explore both the gardens and the mansion.
Frequently asked questions
- Cheekwood is typically open Tuesday-Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. It is highly recommended to check their official website or ticketing page for the most current operating hours, as these can vary seasonally and for special events.
- Most visitors find that a visit to Cheekwood lasts anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, but to fully experience the expansive 55-acre grounds, including all gardens, the historic mansion, museum, and sculpture trail, a visit of 3 to 5 hours is recommended. Cheekwood features paved pathways throughout many garden areas and leading to the museum, and provides complimentary manual wheelchairs and golf cart shuttles (including wheelchair-accessible options) on the main path. The Historic Mansion and Museum are largely wheelchair accessible with an elevator, though a few historic rooms may present challenges.
- Generally, pets are not permitted at Cheekwood, with the exception of ADA-designated service animals. However, special dog-friendly events like "Dog Nights of Summer" are periodically held, allowing leashed dogs to visit. To ensure your entry, especially during busy periods or special events, reserving timed-entry tickets online in advance is strongly recommended. This also helps guarantee parking.
Recent snaps at this place
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Jun 6, 2026
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