Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Here’s Why You Should Include Johnny Cash Museum In Your Itinerary

Johnny Cash Museum
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Ranked as the number one music museum in the world by Forbes and National Geographic Traveler, the Johnny Cash Museum holds one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world.

Located in the heart of downtown Nashville at 119 3rd Ave S, Nashville – between Broadway and Demonbreun streets – the museum allows you to look back to the legendary life of the Man in Black. Here you will find performance costumes, handwritten lyrics, a wall filled with Cash’s gold and platinum records, and so much more.

Let’s get a closer look at this museum that could fill every heart of Johnny Cash lovers.

The Museum’s History

The original museum honoring the legendary recording artists – known as House of Cash – can be found in Hendersonville, Tennessee, where Cash lived for more than thirty years. However, the property has been closed for a long time and started to get into its worst shape, day by day. You will get a glimpse of it in the music video of Cash’s 2002 hit “Hurt.”

In 2007, Cash’s family attempted to restore the House of Cash – however, it was caught by accidental fire during renovations and had fallen to a state of disrepair. Many fans worldwide were saddened by the fact that they no longer have a place to celebrate Cash’s legacy. 

Luckily, Cash’s close friends – Bill and Shannon Miller – donated their personal collections of artifacts and memorabilia to open Johnny Cash Museum in 2013. Three years later, they further expanded the museum. They added state-of-the-art interactive exhibits – such as technology that centers on creating mixes of Johnny Cash songs and listening to covers of his music by dozens of artists.

Because of this, the museum became one of only six Nashville attractions to earn the esteemed AAA Gem rating.

Must-See Exhibits

The museum features different exhibits to highlight many periods in Cash’s life, from his stint in the Air Force, music career to his marriage to June Carter. Let’s check out some of it.

1. Personal Memorabilia. The entire place is a treasure house of gems associated with the life and career of the legendary singer. The collection highlighting different periods of his life is definitely extensive. You will find unique pieces like an early radio from his humble beginnings of a family listening to Grand Ole Opry at their cotton farm to his U.S. Air Force uniform during his days as a military operator. Cash’s old Martin guitar is also on full display.

There’s absolutely no limit to memorabilia that would appeal to every country music fan.

2. Musical Mementos. There’s also a vast collection to help you celebrate Cash’s legendary music career – such as stage outfits and an impressive variety of his instruments. In addition, Cash’s awards lined the museum’s walls along with his gold and platinum records. They are featured on the Progression of the Sound exhibit, which chronicles Cash’s journey as a recording artist throughout the various genres and crossover work that characterized his influential career.

Moreover, there’s also a stonewall salvaged from the destroyed House of Cash in Hendersonville. It was carefully reconstructed to give everyone a glimpse into his relationship with June Carter Cash.  

3. The Artist’s Career. There is a part in the museum exclusively dedicated to Cash’s time with his record label, Sun Records – who helped launch his career, including other renowned artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley. You will have fun watching video clips that show Cash’s personal interactions with fellow iconic performers.

Moreover, the museum also has small theaters that allow fans to watch and enjoy clips of his several performances.

Things To Remember When Visiting Johnny Cash Museum 

  1. The facility does not have its own downtown parking, nor does it provide one. However, you can find several different parking options nearby.
  2. The museum is self-guided – this means you have the freedom of how long or how little time you spend inside, but it’s highly recommended to give yourself at least an hour to tour.
  3. While the establishment is completely wheelchair accessible, they do not provide wheelchairs.
  4. The management does not allow luggage, carry-on bags, or oversized backpacks inside the museum, and they can’t be checked, too – so you might want to drop your things first in your hotel accommodation before visiting the museum.
  5. There are special group rates available for groups of more than fifteen. You can call 615.806.7851 for more information.

The Johnny Cash Museum welcomes visitors every day from 9 AM to 7 PM but may have reduced hours or be closed for special events and certain holidays. It can also get crowded at times; the best time to visit is early in the morning or a few hours before it closes.

Tickets for adults cost $20.95, while students, seniors, and military members get a discounted price of $19.95. Admission for those who are age 15 and below cost $16.95, while kids age five and younger can get in free as long as they are with a paying adult.

In addition to the exhibits, there’s also a gift shop filled with Johnny Cash souvenirs and collectibles – so make sure to drop by and bring home memorabilia for such a wonderful experience. You can also check out the museum café and coffee shop – Cash’s personal chili recipe is served at the onsite café is a must-try.

Latest Stories

Roy Rogers, smiling in his signature cowboy hat and embroidered suit, remembered by fans as the King of the Cowboys in 1998.

On This Day, Fans Remember Roy Rogers, the King of the Cowboys, Who Rode Off in 1998

Sometimes the cowboy who taught America how to ride tall in the saddle and tip a hat with a smile is the one who leaves the biggest boots to fill. ...

Julian Ryan smiles with his fiancée and kids in a family photo before the Texas floods that took his life in a heartbreaking tragedy.

Young Dad’s Heartbreaking Final Words Revealed by Family After Texas Flooding Tragedy

Julian Ryan wasn’t just another name on the growing list of the dead in the Texas flood disaster. He was a father, a fiancé, and, in his final moments, a ...

Miranda Lambert performs onstage at a concert, now under fire for focusing on animals during the Texas floods tragedy.

Miranda Lambert Under Fire for Asking Help for Animals in Texas Floods While People Still Missing

Sometimes, doing the right thing still gets you dragged through the mud. Miranda Lambert, country’s resident dog lover and unapologetic Texas girl, is catching flak this week for what some ...

Texas Floods Leave 51 Dead Including 15 Children as Families Face Unthinkable Loss

Texas Floods Leave 51 Dead Including 15 Children as Families Face Unthinkable Loss

One moment, it was just another summer night in the Texas Hill Country, the next the river rose like an angry giant and tore whole lives apart. According to AP ...

Keith Urban holds a CMA award on stage, showing the same trophies he often ships home so his mom can keep a room full of them.

Keith Urban Gives Away Almost Every Award He Wins So One Person Can Keep a Room Full of Them

Keith Urban doesn’t just pick up awards, he packs them up and ships them off faster than most country stars can find a shelf. For a guy who’s racked up ...

Toby Keith performs with his American flag guitar, the same patriotic spirit that fueled his song "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue."

The Untold Truth Behind Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue (The Angry American)”

When Toby Keith sat down with a fantasy football stat sheet and scribbled out “Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue”, he didn’t just write a song. He lit a ...

Toby Keith plays guitar with an American flag design, capturing the patriotic vibe perfect for a Fourth of July country playlist.

35 Patriotic Country Songs to Turn Your Backyard Into the Ultimate 4th of July Party

Nothing says freedom like blasting a rowdy country playlist while you torch a few burgers, keep the cooler stocked, and watch your drunk uncle light fireworks way too close to ...

Keith Urban sits next to Nicole Kidman looking serious, a moment that echoes him shutting down talk about her steamy movie scenes.

Keith Urban Shuts Down Interview When Nicole Kidman’s Scenes With Younger Men Are Mentioned

Some lines just ain’t worth crossing, especially when you’re asking Keith Urban about Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron rolling around on screen. This week, the whole thing went sideways when ...

Tim McGraw sits outdoors with Faith Hill, leaning on a cane, sparking questions about his health but showing their strong bond.

Tim McGraw Using a Cane With Faith Hill Beside Him Raises Questions About His Health

Sometimes country music’s strongest cowboys need a little help standing tall, and Tim McGraw’s latest photo has folks asking how much longer he can keep carrying that torch. It’s not ...

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood smile together at an event, standing united amid the ongoing sexual assault lawsuit drama.

Garth Brooks’ Marriage With Trisha Yearwood Reportedly Unshaken by Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Nothing tests a marriage like ugly headlines, but Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are riding out this storm shoulder to shoulder. Since last October, Garth Brooks has been staring down ...