Frist Center for the Visual Arts

The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is a nonprofit art-exhibition center, with approximately 24,000 square feet of gallery space, dedicated to presenting the finest visual art from local, state and regional artists, as well as major U.S. and international exhibitions.
The Frist Center opened in April 2001, and since that time has hosted a spectacular array of art from the region, the country, and around the world.

Unlike any traditional museum you’ve ever visited, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts has become a magnet for Nashville’s rapidly expanding visual arts scene. With an exhibitions schedule that has new art flowing through the magnificent Art Deco building every 6 to 8 weeks, no matter how often you visit, there is always something new and exciting to see in the spacious galleries. See a list of current and upcoming exhibitions.

The Frist Center was conceived as a family-friendly place and one of the most popular locations in the center is the innovative Martin ArtQuest Gallery. It’s a colorful space alive with the sounds of learning through making art! ArtQuest activities abound for people of all ages. With 30 interactive stations, and the assistance of knowledgeable staff and volunteers, ArtQuest teaches through activity. Make a print, paint your own original watercolor, create your own colorful sculpture! It’s all there in ArtQuest, and it’s free with gallery admission for adults and always free for youth 18 and under.

While at the Frist Center, be sure to stop by the Frist Center’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 relates to the Frist Center’s exhibitions, the array changes often. No wonder it’s often called the best gift shop in Nashville. Discounts for Frist Center members can make it a bargain hunter’s dream!

The popular Frist Center Café features a variety of delicious homemade soups, luscious desserts, salads, and sandwiches, making the Café a popular gathering place for brunch, lunch, afternoon snacks, and dinner on Thursday and Friday evenings when the Frist Center stays open until 9:00 p.m.

Frist Center memberships are available at a number of levels and are a great bargain. Membership is another great Frist Center 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.