About National Museum of African American Music
Across five interconnected galleries, NMAAM tells the story of more than 50 genres of music shaped by African Americans — from spirituals to hip-hop.
Founded in 2021, National Museum of African American Music has been welcoming visitors for over 5 years. Today it draws approximately 200,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited history & civilization museums in the world. Located in Nashville, United States, the museum holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 1,800 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why National Museum of African American Music ranks #105
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #105 in our composite ranking, National Museum of African American Music represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Newer must-see.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2 hours, planning your route through National Museum of African American Music is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Roots Theater immersive intro
- ◆One Nation Under a Groove
- ◆Wade in the Water
- ◆Crossroads gallery
Recognition & awards
National Museum of African American Music has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Wed–Mon 10:00–17:00. Closed Tue.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: National Museum of African American Music is located in Nashville, United States at coordinates 36.1604°N, -86.7800°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of National Museum of African American Music
National Museum of African American Music was established in 2021, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the decades, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Nashville. With 200,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United States's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important history & civilization museums in the Americas region.
Other top history & civilization museums
If you enjoy history & civilization museums like National Museum of African American Music, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #37Smithsonian National Museum of American HistoryWashington, United States
- #38Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and CultureWashington, United States
- #48Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque & MuseumIstanbul, Turkey
- #68National Museum of KoreaSeoul, South Korea
- #87Vasa MuseumStockholm, Sweden
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of National Museum of African American Music?
Wed–Mon 10:00–17:00. Closed Tue. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at National Museum of African American Music?
Most visitors recommend spending 2 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is National Museum of African American Music located?
National Museum of African American Music is located in Nashville, United States. The exact coordinates are 36.1604°, -86.7800°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is National Museum of African American Music known for?
Five centuries of Black music. Key highlights include Roots Theater immersive intro, One Nation Under a Groove, Wade in the Water. The museum holds a 4.6/5 rating from 1,800 reviews.
How many people visit National Museum of African American Music each year?
National Museum of African American Music receives approximately 200,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United States.
When was National Museum of African American Music founded?
National Museum of African American Music was founded in 2021, making it 5 years old. It is categorised as a history & civilization museum in our directory.
