The best museums in Knoxville in September 2025

These are the top 10 best museums in Knoxville, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Knoxville, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Knoxville.

Looking for the best museums in Knoxville? These are the best ones:

  1. Blount Mansion1

    Blount Mansion

     Knoxville, TN
    The Blount Mansion, also known as William Blount Mansion, is situated at 200 West Hill Avenue in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. This historic house was the residence of William Blount, the only territorial governor of the Southwest Territory. As a significant figure in American history, Blount's home offers a unique insight into the life and times of the late 18th century.
  2. Knoxville Museum of Art2

    Knoxville Museum of Art

     Knoxville, TN
    The Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA), located in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a unique institution that focuses on showcasing historical and contemporary art pieces from the East Tennessee region. This specialization allows visitors to gain a deep understanding of the region's artistic heritage and contemporary art scene.
  3. Mabry-hazen House3

    Mabry-hazen House

     Knoxville, TN
    The Mabry–Hazen House, also known as the Evelyn Hazen House or the Joseph Alexander Mabry Jr. House, is a historic home located on an 8-acre site at 1711 Dandridge Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee. The house is situated at the crest of Mabry's Hill, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Constructed in 1858 for Joseph Alexander Mabry II, the house was originally named Pine Hill Cottage and was located in what was then the separate town of East Knoxville.
  4. East Tennessee History Center4

    East Tennessee History Center

     Knoxville, TN
    The East Tennessee Historical Society (ETHS) is a non-profit organization located in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is dedicated to the study of East Tennessee history, the preservation of historically significant artifacts, and educating the citizens of Tennessee. The society operates a museum and museum shop in the East Tennessee History Center on Gay Street in downtown Knoxville. The society was established in 1834, 38 years after the establishment of the state of Tennessee, to record the history of the development and settlement of the area.
  5. McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture5

    McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture

     Knoxville, TN
    The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is situated on the campus of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors, as it is nestled within the vibrant university environment. The museum offers a unique blend of natural history and culture, providing a comprehensive view of the world's history and diverse cultures.
  6. Historic Ramsey House6

    Historic Ramsey House

     Knoxville, TN
    The Ramsey House, also known as Swan Pond, is a significant historical site in Knox County, Tennessee. Constructed in 1797 by English architect Thomas Hope, the house was built for Colonel Francis Alexander Ramsey. The two-story stone house stands as a testament to the architectural style of the late 18th century and offers a glimpse into the life of one of Tennessee's early settlers.
  7. Crescent Bend House & Garden7

    Crescent Bend House & Garden

     Knoxville, TN
    Crescent Bend, located at 2728 Kingston Pike in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a historic home known for its unique location on a bend of the Tennessee River. This distinctive positioning gives the property its name and adds to its historical charm.
  8. Zoo Knoxville8

    Zoo Knoxville

     Knoxville, TN
    Zoo Knoxville, previously known as the Knoxville Zoo, is a 53-acre zoo situated just east of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. It is conveniently located near exit 392 off Interstate 40, making it easily accessible for visitors. The zoo is home to a diverse range of animals and is known for its conservation efforts.
  9. 9

    UT Gardens - The State Botanical Garden of Tennessee

     Knoxville, TN
    The University of Tennessee Botanical Gardens is not just a separate entity but rather, it is the entire 250-acre campus of the University of Tennessee. This means that visitors to the gardens are also exploring the university campus, providing a unique blend of educational and natural experiences. The botanical gardens serve as a practical and educational support for the university's biology studies, but they are also open to the public for enjoyment and exploration.
  10. 10

    Beck Cultural Exchange Center

     Knoxville, TN

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