Frist Center for the Visual Arts – Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler
"Zoom out. What’s this place about? Nashville had a dearth of art museums, but the Frist—which opened in 2001 in a stately Art Deco building that was once the city's main post office—helped fill that void. What will we find here? The exhibits may come and go, and run the gamut, from vintage automobiles to Japanese art to relics from the Houghton Hall country estate in England. Each one is thoughtfully laid out in a well-illuminated gallery space and there's also a free music show, Music at the Frist, in the café about once a month. What did you make of the crowd? Many locals are members, particularly the wealthy set in Belle Meade. Expect millennials and families during the opening weekend of any new exhibit. The museum is kid friendly, too, thanks to the Martin ArtQuest Gallery, an interactive space that allows children (and their parents) to explore different mediums with the help of art educators. On the practical tip, how easy is it to navigate? Benches are sparse but can be found in every couple of rooms. There are ramps and accessible parking spaces in the lot behind the building. On the first Saturday of each month, certified American Sign Language interpreters are provided for select tours. The Frist can also provide assistance to those with hearing impairments if given advance notice. Any guided tours worth trying? The majority of Frist-goers explore on their own, but there are a few tour options available, including: weekday docent-led tours, an audio tour available anytime for an additional $3, and a weekly architecture tour every Saturday at 4:30 p.m. to explore the building's origins. Gift shop: What do they have? The gift shop is full of bold, chunky handmade jewelry, Nashville bric-a-brac, and coffee table art books. There's also a kids' section with books, stuffed animals and trinkets. Is there somewhere to stop and eat or should we just plan on going elsewhere? While the café is undergoing renovations, it's vending machines only for visitors. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? The Frist's collection is so well-curated that you can see all the highlights within an hour." - Kristin Luna
