Musicians Hall of Fame Nashville: Play the Instruments

What did it take to record a hit song? Step into the booth and find out.

You get all-day access to instruments from Elvis, Dylan, The Supremes, and dozens of other artists, plus the stage where Jimi Hendrix performed. The included GRAMMY Museum Gallery lets you play drums, bass, and keyboards alongside recordings, or sit in a studio booth to see what recording engineers actually do. Move at your own pace through downtown Nashville's most visited music museum, fully accessible with seating throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Musicians Hall of Fame Museum

• Enter Musicians Hall of Fame Museum
• See instruments from music legends
• View original Jimi Hendrix stage
• Explore GRAMMY Museum Gallery
• Try electric drums and keyboard
• Experience songwriting and recording exhibits

The experience

You walk in and the first thing the guy at the desk asks is whether you've got a favorite artist, not to sell you anything, just to point you toward what matters to you. That's the vibe at the Musicians Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville. The museum isn't trying to be everything to everyone. It's built around the actual instruments and gear that made the records you've heard a thousand times. Joe Osborn's Fender jazz bass is there, the one he played on hits by The Carpenters and Simon and Garfunkel. The control board from Jack's Tracks, where Garth Brooks recorded most of his catalog. And yeah, the original stage where Jimi Hendrix played when he was still finding his sound.

All-day admission means you move at your own pace. There's no guide herding you through, no time limit. You can spend twenty minutes on one exhibit or circle back twice if something hooks you. The GRAMMY Museum Gallery is included in your ticket, and that's where things get hands-on. You get headphones and you can actually play along with Ray Charles and the Raelettes, or sit in a mock recording booth and understand what an engineer does when you're trying to cut a record. There's a full studio setup if you want to try singing or DJing yourself, though most people just watch and listen. It's not cheesy. It's genuinely built for people who want to know how music gets made, not just hear about it.

The whole place is wheelchair accessible, with ramps from the street and plenty of chairs scattered through the galleries if you need to sit. It's downtown, so parking can be tight, but public transit runs nearby and the building itself is designed so you're not climbing stairs or navigating tight corners. Whether you're there for an hour or the whole afternoon, you're not being rushed, and you're not paying again if you want to come back the same day.

What’s included

• All-day admission to the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.
• access to the original stage where Jimi Hendrix performed.
• admission to the interactive GRAMMY Museum Gallery, where you can play instruments, sing, and explore recording studio exhibits.
• fully wheelchair-accessible facilities with seating throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to Saturday

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Child (under 6): free

GroupUp to 100

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Musicians Hall of Fame

Is this one for you?Right for music fans who want to see the actual instruments behind the songs they know, without a guide or fixed schedule. Plan for 2–4 hours, though all-day admission means you can take your time or come back if you want.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Child (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What instruments are actually on display at the Musicians Hall of Fame?

The museum features instruments used to record iconic songs, including Joe Osborn's Fender jazz bass (used by The Carpenters and Simon and Garfunkel), the control board from Jack's Tracks Recording Studio (where Garth Brooks recorded), and the original stage where Jimi Hendrix performed. Exhibits also cover instruments and gear from Elvis, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, The Supremes, and Chicago.

Is the GRAMMY Museum Gallery included in the ticket price?

Yes. Your admission includes access to the interactive GRAMMY Museum Gallery, where you can play electric drums, keyboard, bass, and guitar, sing along with Ray Charles and the Raelettes, and explore exhibits on songwriting, engineering, producing, recording, and DJing.

How long does it take to see everything?

All-day admission is included, so you can spend as much time as you want. Most visitors spend 2–4 hours, but you're welcome to stay longer or return the same day without paying again.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it's fully wheelchair accessible with a ramp from the street to the front door, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and many chairs throughout the galleries for visitors who need to sit down.

Where is the museum located?

The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum is located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Public transportation options are available nearby.