Johnny Cash Museum

The Basics

Visitors to the Johnny Cash Museum can wander through halls lined with memories and artifacts spanning the singer’s life, from his upbringing in Arkansas through his impressive career—including his launch with Sun Records, performance highlights (such as his famous appearance at Folsom Prison), and television cameos. But what makes this museum truly special are the personal effects that only a close friend could collect—childhood report cards, military uniforms, and handwritten love letters to Cash’s wives, including June Carter. The Cash Museum features interactive exhibits, an extensive gift shop, films, and a café serving light fare.

Downtown Nashville tours, including the popular Nashville trolley tours, often include the Johnny Cash Museum as one of their stops, along with other music-related attractions such as the Ryman Auditorium, the Patsy Cline Museum, and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Things to Know Before You Go

• This museum is a must-see for Johnny Cash fans and music lovers visiting Nashville.

• There is no dedicated parking lot, but limited street parking is available on the neighboring city blocks.

• The Johnny Cash Museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

The museum is located in downtown Nashville, within easy walking distance of many other attractions. Nearby is the 4th Ave N & Broadway Ave SB bus station, accessible by bus numbers 15, 18, 27, 33, 34, 38, and 61.

When to Get There

The museum is open from 9am until 6pm daily except for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Johnny Cash’s Music

Known for his deep bass-baritone voice, Cash is one of the best-selling singer/songwriters of all time. Primarily known for country music, he spanned many genres, and actually had inductions into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.

How long does it take to do the Johnny Cash Museum?

It usually takes about an hour to tour the museum. As the museum is self-guided, you can spend as little or as much time as you want exploring the space. If you participate in the interactive displays and watch the videos, your visit might stretch closer to two hours.

What is the best day to visit the Johnny Cash Museum?

Expect the most visitors on weekends. If you can, visit on a weekday, early in the morning or a few hours before the museum closes, to avoid crowds. Keep in mind, the museum may have reduced hours or be closed for special events, so check the website before you go.

Is the Johnny Cash Museum accessible?

Yes. The museum is wheelchair accessible, but wheelchairs are not available to borrow or rent on site. Expect wide, accessible doorways, even flooring, and open space for easy exploration for people using wheelchairs as well as for travelers pushing strollers. The facility also has accessible restrooms.

Can I bring food to the Johnny Cash Museum?

No. But Johnny Cash's Bar & BBQ, located next to the museum on Third Avenue, offers authentic barbecue and Southern food. Across the street, FGL House serves Southern-style pub fare and cocktails. Stop by Goo Goo Cluster for sweet mounds made with caramel, marshmallow nougat, roasted peanuts, and milk chocolate.

Is the Johnny Cash Museum worth it?

Yes. Music fans are drawn to this comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia. It’s considered one of Nashville’s must-see attractions and is authorized by the Cash estate. Many of the museum's items were donated by a friend of Cash, giving visitors a faithful depiction of the legend.

What do you see at the Johnny Cash Museum?

The museum showcases memorabilia and artifacts that span the country singer’s life—from his upbringing in Arkansas to career highlights, such as his appearance at Folsom Prison. Visitors can view personal items, such as childhood report cards, military uniforms, and handwritten love letters written to his wives, including June Carter.

Ways to explore

Downtown Nashville tours, including the popular Old Town Trolley Tours, often include the Johnny Cash Museum as one of their stops, along with other music-related attractions such as the Ryman Auditorium, the Patsy Cline Museum, and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

While the museum is self-guided, you can dive deeper into the life and work of the “Man in Black” by hiring a private guide to take you around the museum. For a broader overview of the city’s music scene, book a private music-themed walking tour of Nashville that includes museum entry.

Accessibility

The museum is fully accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.

Age limits

Children 5 and under can visit for free.

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers

Not allowed

Large bags, luggage, oversized strollers

Amenities

Restrooms, gift shop

Address 

The Johnny Cash Museum is located in downtown Nashville, within easy walking distance of many other attractions. You can also reach the museum by car or by public transportation from other city locations.

Driving

Take Broadway from the east or west to 3rd Avenue South. The museum does not have on-site parking, but there are several paid parking garages in the immediate vicinity.

Public transportation

WeGo Public Transit’s 93 bus stops at 2nd Avenue North and Broadway, located a block from the museum. The 64 bus and the WeGo Star commuter rail stop at Riverfront Station, two blocks from the museum.

Best times to visit

Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the large bus tour groups that crowd the museum during the midday hours.

Best days to visit

Weekends and holidays draw peak visitors—come on a weekday to enjoy the museum without the throngs.

Best months to visit

The museum is open all year round, and its air-conditioned interiors offer a respite from the Tennessee heat in the summer.

Special events

Nashville hosts the huge CMA Fest each June, attended by country music fans from across the globe—many of whom pay a visit to the Johnny Cash Museum.