Country Music Hall of Fame
ExperienceThe Gulch#24 of 50

Country Music Hall of Fame

Nashville, Tennessee

Photo: Lee Luo

Skip it if you want, but you'd be wrong. The permanent collection traces country music from its Appalachian roots through the Outlaw movement to today, and the depth of the archive is staggering — handwritten lyrics, rhinestone suits, instruments that changed the sound of American music. The rotating exhibitions are consistently museum-quality, not tourist-grade.

Insider tip

The RCA Studio B tour is an add-on that's absolutely worth it. You'll stand where Elvis and Dolly recorded, and the guide will play you the original tracks in the room.

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