How Artist Museums May Expand Business Opportunities In Downtown Nashville
From Dolly Parton to Johnny Cash, museums are taking over Nashville.
Over the past ten years, Nashville's downtown has seen a surge of bars named after famous musicians like Garth Brooks, Eric Church, and Blake Shelton. The next phase may involve artist-focused museums. Dolly Parton's Manager discusses unfulfilled business ventures "she had yet to fulfill." Kenny MacPherson, co-founder of Big Deal Music, passes away at 71.
Kenny MacPherson, former Big Deal Music co-founder, died at 71. Kenny MacPherson, co-founder of Big Deal Music, dies at 71. The Alan Jackson Museum and Distillery opened in June, joining the Johnny Cash Museum, which recently expanded to a second floor. Dolly Parton's Life of Many Colors Museum and SongTeller Hotel held a joint ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 9.
While there are challenges, such as new artists needing sufficient memorabilia and inconsistency in preserving personal items, there's a clear market for country music tourists seeking more than just nightlife. "We need more family attractions," says Bill Miller, founder of Icon Entertainment Group. Nashville's downtown already offers museums dedicated to various genres, including the National Museum of African American Music, Museum of Christian & Gospel Music, and the historic Country Music Hall of Fame, which moved to a more prominent location 25 years ago.
The Cash Museum operates a distillery, offering whiskey samples, private events, and a tavern featuring drinks designed by Mattie Jackson, Dolly Parton's daughter. The Jackson Museum creates an intimate atmosphere where visitors can share stories and connect over the artist's influence. Museum attractions often involve personal artifacts, which can deepen visitors' appreciation for the performer's impact.
New technical elements in museums like the Cash Museum can enhance experiences, such as train simulations and recording studios. The Life of Many Colors Museum boasts a performance stage, event space, and a flexible lobby, allowing for various gatherings and celebrations beyond just visiting a museum.
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