Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, England

Red Room

Copenhagen, Denmark

Delphine

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Chez Nina Green Brasserie

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

During Winter

Prague 

in Finland

The Northern Lights

Winter Edition

Paris

Best bars

New York Cities

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

On A Budget

5 Star Luxury Travel

You Must Visit

Eco-Friendly Hotels

Avoid Bali belly

How To:

That Are Worth The Trip

Dining Concepts

The World Is Slowing Down

Soft Travel

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Explore

Copenhagens Boutique Hotels

Discover

Tokyos best Ramen

Travel philosophy

The Rise of ‘Soft Travel’

Dublin Best Pubs

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Nashville, TN

North America

United States

# Cheekwood – A Beautiful Garden and Art Museum in Nashville, TN
Cheekwood, located in Nashville, TN, is a stunning garden and art museum that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Established in the early 20th century, Cheekwood has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, showcasing beautifully manicured gardens, art exhibitions, and seasonal events. The estate's rich history and community involvement have made it a cornerstone of Nashville's cultural landscape. Visitors often rave about the picturesque scenery, seasonal displays, and the welcoming atmosphere that Cheekwood provides, making it a must-visit spot for families and art enthusiasts.

## History
### The story of Cheekwood
Cheekwood was founded in the 1920s by the Cheek family, who envisioned a grand estate that would serve as both a home and a cultural hub. The estate was designed in the style of an English country house, reflecting the family's appreciation for art and nature. Over the years, Cheekwood has evolved from a private residence into a public garden and art museum, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Cheek family while promoting the arts and horticulture.

### Milestones and growth
- 1929: Cheekwood estate is completed, showcasing the family's art collection.
- 1960: The estate opens to the public as a botanical garden and art museum.
- 1990: Cheekwood expands its gardens and facilities, enhancing visitor experiences.
- 2000: The museum adds contemporary art exhibitions, diversifying its offerings.
- 2015: Cheekwood celebrates its 50th anniversary as a public institution.

### Cultural and local influence
Cheekwood has significantly influenced Nashville's cultural scene, serving as a venue for art exhibitions, educational programs, and community events. The gardens are designed to reflect the local flora and fauna, promoting environmental awareness and appreciation for nature. Cheekwood's commitment to the arts has fostered collaborations with local artists and organizations, making it a vital part of Nashville's artistic community.

### Continuing the tradition
Today, Cheekwood continues to honor its founding vision by hosting a variety of seasonal events, art exhibits, and educational programs. The estate remains a cherished destination for families, couples, and art lovers, ensuring that the legacy of the Cheek family lives on through its dedication to beauty, culture, and community engagement.

## Community
### Community involvement
Cheekwood actively engages with the Nashville community through various programs and events. The estate offers memberships that provide benefits to local residents, encouraging frequent visits and participation in special events. Cheekwood also collaborates with schools and community organizations to promote art education and environmental stewardship, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose among its visitors.

### Community notion about the place
The community views Cheekwood as a hidden gem, a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Many locals appreciate the estate's commitment to maintaining beautiful gardens and hosting events that cater to diverse audiences. Visitors often express their fondness for the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with nature and art in a serene setting.

### Events and gatherings
Cheekwood hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including seasonal festivals, art exhibitions, and educational workshops. Popular events like the Holiday Lights and the Pumpkin Festival draw large crowds, creating a festive atmosphere that encourages community participation. These gatherings not only celebrate the beauty of the gardens but also foster connections among visitors, making Cheekwood a vibrant hub for social interaction.

## Offerings
### What Cheekwood offers
Cheekwood offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors, including beautifully landscaped gardens, art exhibitions, and educational programs. The estate features various themed gardens, walking trails, and art installations that invite exploration and appreciation of nature and creativity. Cheekwood's commitment to providing enriching experiences makes it a unique destination in Nashville.

### Dining and food experience
While Cheekwood does not have a full-service restaurant on-site, it offers seasonal food options during special events. Visitors can enjoy food trucks and pop-up dining experiences that complement the garden's ambiance. The estate's café provides light refreshments, allowing guests to relax and savor the beauty of their surroundings while enjoying a snack or beverage.

### Events and packages
Cheekwood hosts numerous events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, seasonal festivals, and educational workshops. Special packages are available for families and groups, making it easy to plan a visit that includes guided tours, workshops, and access to exclusive events. The estate also offers unique experiences like private tours and event rentals for special occasions, enhancing its appeal as a versatile destination.

### Facilities and features
- Beautifully landscaped gardens
- Art museum with rotating exhibitions
- Seasonal events and festivals
- Educational programs for all ages
- Gift shop featuring local artisan products

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Cheekwood highlight its stunning gardens, well-maintained grounds, and engaging events. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with nature and art. However, some reviews mention the ticket prices as a potential drawback, especially for families.

### Compliments and strengths
Many visitors commend Cheekwood for its beautiful landscaping, diverse plant collections, and engaging art exhibits. The seasonal decorations, particularly during the holidays, receive high praise for their creativity and charm. Reviewers also appreciate the knowledgeable staff and the educational programs offered at the estate.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While most reviews are positive, some visitors express disappointment regarding ticket pricing and the value of certain experiences. A few guests noted that the gardens, while beautiful, may not be as expansive as other botanical gardens, which could affect their overall experience. However, the unique blend of art and nature continues to attract a loyal following.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Cheekwood is highly regarded for its beautiful gardens, engaging art exhibits, and community involvement. While some visitors may find the ticket prices a bit steep, the overall experience and the opportunity to connect with nature and culture make it a worthwhile destination for many.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Cheekwood is located at 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205, nestled in a serene neighborhood that offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The estate is conveniently situated near other attractions, such as the Parthenon and the Nashville Zoo, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the area. Visitors often appreciate the cultural richness of Nashville, with Cheekwood serving as a beautiful complement to the city's vibrant arts scene.

## FAQs
**What are the opening hours of Cheekwood** Cheekwood is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.  
**Is there an admission fee** Yes, there is an admission fee for adults, with discounts for children and seniors.  
**Are pets allowed in the gardens** Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in the gardens except for service animals.  
**Can I host an event at Cheekwood** Yes, Cheekwood offers event rentals for weddings and private gatherings.  
**Is there parking available** Yes, parking is available on-site for a small fee.  

## Visit Cheekwood Today
Cheekwood invites you to explore its stunning gardens, engaging art exhibits, and vibrant community events. With a rich history and a commitment to cultural enrichment, Cheekwood provides a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. Whether you're looking to enjoy a peaceful stroll through the gardens or participate in one of the many seasonal events, Cheekwood is a must-visit destination in Nashville. Experience the beauty and creativity that Cheekwood has to offer and create lasting memories with family and friends.

81d5467c-6ab2-4b63-9867-162a65ccd310

A lovely spot to take family members when they're visiting, especially if it's an older or slower crowd. I've visited in summer and winter, and each time it's a pleasant experience. I love the winter lights and the late evening deal they do (otherwise I find it too expensive). Their programming is wonderful and fits the needs of several audiences. I wish they'd offer more deals for locals to be able to enjoy the gardens, but I'll always recommend it as a place to visit.

15850a8e-86af-4209-89db-d1bbe39d07b0

The last time my fiancée and I visited Cheekwood was in the summer of 2023. We decided to visit again last Sunday as part of our anniversary trip. Both visits the mansion and the gardens have been well kept and the fall/pumpkin displays they had were absolutely adorable.

53205d92-3803-4948-a6f5-22cb6af99659

I need to come back and try again. We went on a weekday in September and were very excited to see all the pumpkins and fall decorations. The tickets are expensive, roughly $30/person. When you first walk in there are some very beautiful displays, the color garden and pumpkin houses were very cool. A few good photo ops, but they were the only highlights. Otherwise, I was underwhelmed. We didn't get tickets to the mansion, maybe that's why? But those tickets are even more expensive. I asked if I could covert my tickets purchased into an annual membership for me plus a guest and was told only $20 would go toward it (even though I paid almost $60). So I said never mind. Meh, maybe I'll try again around the holidays.

5cbf4407-aaf1-4f78-99b6-a36c466edda7

December 2022 was my first & last visit to Cheekwood. I wanted to see the Holiday Lights-Garden and Mansion there; even though, it was no longer Christmas season & past Christmas. Despite the rainy weather and experiencing pain walking, it was wonderful to walk through the Christmas lights. It was $30 for an adult ticket. Was it worth it? Yes. Just make sure to still be prepared for crowds even after the holidays if you want to see the Christmas lights. We saw a wedding proposal on a bridge. There was walking traffic on the grounds until it started raining. We went to the mansion during some of the time of heavy rain pour. The mansion was showcasing a gallery of illustrations of The Adams Family, paintings, and vintage photos of famous Hollywood celebrities. It was festively decorated for Christmas and was a joy to wander through. It was very crowded in the area with The Adams Family illustrations gallery. I took a lot of videos of the holiday light displays in the rain and tried seeing every part of Cheekwood that night. When we went back to our car, we were given a golf cart ride back to our car to avoid the long walk back to our car by Troy.

4bc5a922-5b7d-4101-952e-dbeec4d45f68

Wonderfully beautiful, Cheekwood is a gem and a must-visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. The grounds are well-cared for, with a nice variety of gardens. The little village with model trains running was such a cool design, and for me, a nice start to my walk around the grounds. Even though it was a hot day, I made a point to cover the entirety of the trails and gardens, using my time touring the mansion as a chance to cool off. I enjoyed the sculpture trail and how well the sculptures integrated into the landscape. They are a little out of the way, but worth the extra stroll in the woods. I chose to do my self-guided tour of the mansion without the free audio tour, but I appreciate that they include that. The story of the families and how the houses and estates change over are super interesting, and I always enjoy seeing the styles they adopted and artifacts that they brought back from their travels abroad. In this case, one of the items is a set of doors from the Duke of Westminster!

42eef5da-5a87-42a2-a199-bc867a4d51d8

One of the best gardens I've been to. Going in October, before Halloween, the best time to go, I think...but it was my first time there! All the pumpkins, so beautiful! All the decor...Hello Fall!! Gorgeous colors everywhere...

45980d97-29ed-4481-9cbc-70acb02a25e8

This was our first time at Cheekwood. Easy to find (gps gets lost though if you use Waze) Easy parking. We have a national membership to botanic gardens, despite this, Cheekwood does charge for parking ($3-5 or something). The estate is VERY hilly. It is also more of an English style garden, manicured lawns and hedges and statues with some watering holes or ponds. A few flowers. Drastically less than the Chicago Botanic gardens. I did enjoy the children's area with water painting and some things. The castles throughout the park were a nice touch for younger kids. Seems like it's basically a kinder camp though with toddler groups at each castle. Small gift shop, best a/c though. We didn't visit the mansion, but did see some wedding photos happening. Because of the heatwave, we skipped out early. It was just too hot for all the hills.

20dd0f43-d492-4e7a-b6d5-6e0140d246f8

Had an absolutely great time at Cheekwood for the Fleur de Villes exhibit in the mansion! I have been to Cheekwood many times before - for the tulips in spring, the dog days of summer, summer Fridays, pumpkins in the fall, lights at Christmas, and other special exhibits - and I truly enjoy every visit I've made over the years. This was my first time going into the mansion and im disappointed in myself for having never gone before! The house is huge and has incredible displays in every room. There's even a great view of downtown from the top floor. I recommend becoming a member at Cheekwood if you want to visit more than once a year. It's a great gift for friends and family as well. Parking is always available in a paved lot or in the overflow during busy times.

0d4743cc-66d8-49db-899e-e2c774c3cbd4

We visited Cheekwood to see the Christmas decorations and Holidays at the White House Exhibit. We met Linda at the mansion entrance. She was very friendly and helpful in recommending that we take the guided tour. My daughter has done the self guided audio tour before. She said it was ok. Leanne was our wonderful guide. She was incredibly knowledgeable. There was only one couple with us. We learned so much about the family history and details of the mansion's design. My daughter enjoyed it much, much more than the audio. The tour ended upstairs where we started with the exhibits. It was a cold weekday so visitors were few and spread out. We were often by ourselves in each room. It was so nice to take our time admiring the decorations and artwork. Taking pictures was easy without waiting for people to move out of view or from a popular spot. Because of the 10th anniversary, Laura Dowling was hired to decorate the mansion. She was once the Chief Floral Designer for the White House. She and her team did an amazing job. Every room was themed and just spectacular. We walked to the Holiday Market after the mansion, then through the garden, ending at the Garden Shop. Parking is free just a short walk from where the tickets are bought. They can also be purchased online with an added service charge. It was a beautiful, but cold day at Cheekwood. We hope to return in the Spring when the garden is in bloom.

4773f56d-8620-41b1-9df5-33dc0d0716d4

Cheekwood is a lovely garden that has different events going on throughout the year. While the garden itself is not massive, it is generally well taken care of. Parts of the garden do have different kinds of flowers, while other parts have more greenery. The events here are the best part. They have music on Thursdays at certain times of the year with foods trucks. It's such a nice relaxing vibe. They also had a local plant sale before which was amazing - plants were labeled with what kind and their growing sunlight preference!

Discover Cheekwood in Nashville, TN—an iconic restaurant offering unforgettable dining experiences in a vibrant city. Book your table now for a taste of excellence.

Cheekwood Restaurant in Nashville, TN | Unforgettable Dining Experience

Nashville

Cheekwood

Tennessee

Discover the enchanting art exhibits and lush gardens at Cheekwood in Nashville, TN. Perfect for family outings, romantic dates, and cultural adventures. Visit us today!

Cheekwood Experience – Art & Gardens in Nashville, TN

Learn about Cheekwood in Nashville, TN. A premier art museum and botanical garden offering inspiring exhibits, scenic landscapes, and family-friendly events. Explore more!

About Cheekwood – Art Museum & Botanical Gardens in Nashville, TN

Opening hours for Cheekwood, Nashville, TN. Find opening hours for Cheekwood at 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN on our website. Plan your visit today!

Cheekwood Menu Overview

Signature Dishes

Beverages and Pairings

Dietary Options

Chef Recommendations

Experience the Menu at Cheekwood

Rock and Roll Photo Gallery

Cafe 29

Percy Warner Golf Course