Knoxville Museum of Art
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Unexpectedly finding myself with time to spare due to a delayed flight, I ventured to the Knoxville Museum of Art, intrigued by their offer of free admission for the month. This unplanned visit turned into one of the most delightful detours of my trip. Upon entering the museum, the warmth and professionalism of the front desk staff immediately stood out. They were not only welcoming but also very knowledgeable, taking the time to explain each gallery and its significance. Their guidance was invaluable in navigating the museum’s intimate spaces, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The highlight of my visit was the "Tools As Art" exhibition, a traveling showcase that presented everyday tools transformed into stunning pieces of art. This exhibition was both thought-provoking and visually impressive, challenging my perceptions of ordinary objects and their artistic potential. In addition to this special exhibit, the museum houses dedicated galleries that celebrate local art and modern art. Each space offered a unique perspective on the region’s artistic expressions and contemporary art trends, providing a rich tapestry of visual delights. Another standout feature was the Miniatures collection, which I had also admired at the Chicago Museum of Modern Art. Seeing some of these intricate works again in a different context added a layer of familiarity and depth to my visit, reinforcing the interconnectedness of art communities across the country. Overall, my visit to the Knoxville Museum of Art was highly enjoyable. The combination of friendly staff, diverse art collections, and the surprising depth of exhibits made for a memorable experience. I left the museum feeling enriched and inspired, a testament to the power of art to transform even the most unexpected moments into lasting memories. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a cultural touchstone in Knoxville!
James “Liam” BiggerstaffJames “Liam” Biggerstaff
10
Our visit to Knoxville Museum of Arts, a stunning architectural gem that guarantees a delightful experience for everyone - from art aficionados to families with kids in tow. During our visit, we were treated to the delightful tunes of live music, adding a harmonious touch to the already mesmerizing ambiance. Best of all, it's a free feast for the eyes and ears! Located conveniently just off the e-prey (erm... we mean, "expressway"), getting here is a breeze, and you'll be pleased to find ample free parking, making your journey stress-free from the get-go. Don't worry about spending a dime for both the entrance and parking - you can save that cash for a lovely souvenir from the gift shops locally. Now, let's talk about the real star of the show - the jaw-dropping artwork! The museum proudly showcases historical and contemporary art pieces from the East Tennessee region, leaving visitors in awe of the incredible talent that graces the walls. So, whether you're an art enthusiast seeking inspiration or a family looking for a fun day out, the Knoxville Museum of Arts beckons with open arms. Come one, come all, and immerse yourself in the creative wonders that this vibrant cultural institution has to offer! According to its mission statement, the Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA) wholeheartedly celebrates the art and artists of East Tennessee, fostering an environment where new art and ideas can flourish. Committed to serving a diverse community, the museum aims to enhance Knoxville's quality of life, operating ethically, responsibly, and transparently as a public trust. So, you can feel good about supporting a cultural institution that genuinely cares about its patrons and its role in the community.
Auto ExecutiveAuto Executive
30
Knoxville Museum of Art is free and an absolutely wonderful experience. We took our 5 month old and 3 year old. They were very accommodating with our stroller. They have an elevator for this purpose. They have a fantastic collection of many diffrent styles of art. The staff is knowledge and friendly. The girls loved the interactive art room on the first floor. They have a massive light bright like you had when you was a kid. They have sketch pads and diffrent mediums for children to use. The gift shop is really nice and the lady gave the girls stickers. It's a wonderful place to spend the afternoon. If it's not to hot they have outdoor features as well. Things are expensive so this much culture for free is amazing. We're lucky to have this museum and I highly recommend a visit. You can make reservations in advance on the website. You wont be disappointed.
John GreenJohn Green
110
Well worth a visit and FREE PARKING! Me and some friends visited Knoxville for a day while during our vacation in the Smokies and this was one of the planned stops. This museum is well worth a quick stop for a few reasons: free parking, free entry and it's quite small and can be fully toured in under an hour. The free parking bit was a surprise to me and my friends as I'm very used to paying $12-20 to park downtown in DC and Baltimore where I live but not in Tennessee! Just use the World's Fair park parking to the north of the building, it had plenty of spots when I went and it's right next to the museum. The artwork inside was varied from modern, abstract and traditional. Also check out the tiny room display in the bottom floor which was our favorite part.
Wil FellowsWil Fellows
00
Let me preface this by saying that I have not an art lover. However, this experience may have changed me. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Knoxville Museum of Art. They had a nice display of glass art. The best experience was in the Asian collection. There were some fascinating pieces of artwork woven from pieces of paper with hidden images. The best part was the guide in this area was fantastic. She was very knowledgeable and passionate about the artwork and was able to stimulate my interest and the art. She was able to provide enlightening answers to my stupid questions such as what is the meaning of the two giant heads in the center of the room. Admission was free but you do have to sign in with a scan app or they sign you up when you get there.
jamesjames
40
We visited the sunsphere and on our way back to the car we decided to hop on here. So obviously we didn't get any advanced tickets but that was no problem. The front desk person was very nice and helped us get registered which took maybe 5min. There's no admission fee! While my husband did that I took the kids (6+8) into the kids corner which was super nice. They had building blocks and craft things. My kids loved it. The actual museum was very nice too, everything was so clean and peaceful. There are some nice art pieces here. The outside areas are very nice too. Definitely recommend. Wheelchair accessible. There's also free parking when you visit the museum.
Pia BojePia Boje
10
Nearby Attractions Of Knoxville Museum of Art
Neyland Stadium
World's Fair Park
Market Square
Tennessee Theatre
Sunsphere
Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University by IHG
Knoxville Convention Center
Regal Riviera
University of Tennessee
Bijou Theatre

Neyland Stadium
4.7
(2.4K)Click for details

World's Fair Park
4.7
(1.6K)Click for details

Market Square
4.7
(1.6K)Click for details

Tennessee Theatre
4.9
(1.6K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Knoxville Museum of Art
Calhoun's On The River
Cafe 4
Stock & Barrel
Balter Beerworks
The French Market Creperie Downtown
Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar
Sweet P's Barbecue and Downtown Dive
The Tomato Head
Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant
Downtown Grill & Brewery

Calhoun's On The River
4.3
(2.9K)Click for details

Cafe 4
4.8
(2K)Click for details

Stock & Barrel
4.6
(2K)Click for details

Balter Beerworks
4.6
(1.4K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
1050 Worlds Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916
Map
Phone
(865) 525-6101
Call
Website
knoxart.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(811 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
accessibility
Description
The Knoxville Museum of Art, is an art museum in Knoxville, Tennessee. It specializes in historical and contemporary art pieces from the East Tennessee region.
attractions: Neyland Stadium, World's Fair Park, Market Square, Tennessee Theatre, Sunsphere, Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University by IHG, Knoxville Convention Center, Regal Riviera, University of Tennessee, Bijou Theatre, restaurants: Calhoun's On The River, Cafe 4, Stock & Barrel, Balter Beerworks, The French Market Creperie Downtown, Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar, Sweet P's Barbecue and Downtown Dive, The Tomato Head, Chesapeake's Seafood Restaurant, Downtown Grill & Brewery
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