Cheekwood

Cheekwood is a historic Tennessee estate located in Nashville. The Georgian-style mansion constructed in the early 20th century by the Cheek family is the main attraction of Cheekwood. 55 acres of meticulously maintained grounds and gardens surround the mansion.

Initially, the estate belonged to the Cheek family, who made their fortune in the Maxwell House coffee business. In the 1920s, Leslie Cheek, Sr., and Mabel Wood Cheek transformed the property into a magnificent mansion. The Cheekwood mansion and grounds were made accessible to the public as a museum and botanical garden in 1960.

The impressive art museum at Cheekwood contains a diverse collection of American and European artwork. The museum features revolving exhibitions emphasizing diverse artistic eras, styles, and mediums. Various artworks, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and contemporary installations, are available to visitors.

The estate features a tree trail that goes through the property and features a variety of tree species. The trail offers the opportunity to explore and gain knowledge about various tree species, their distinctive qualities, and their ecological significance.

Throughout the year, Cheekwood hosts various seasonal events. These events include special exhibits, festivals, and celebrations with a specific theme. Famous events include the Cheekwood in Bloom spring festival, the Harvest festival in the autumn, and the Holiday Lights winter event that transforms the gardens into an enchanted winter wonderland.

Things to do at Cheekwood

• Explore the Mansion: Explore the historic Cheekwood Mansion as you begin your journey. Take a guided tour or wander freely through the exquisitely preserved rooms, observing the period furnishings, art collections, and architectural details that highlight the estate's grandeur.

• Wander the gardens: Spend time wandering through the expansive gardens at Cheekwood and absorbing the breathtaking beauty of nature. Explore the Martin Boxwood Gardens, the Color Garden, the Water Garden, and the Herb Study Garden, among other themed gardens. Observe the vibrant hues, aromatic flowers, and peaceful landscapes.

• Discover the art collections: Explore the diverse collection of American and European artworks in the museum's art galleries at Cheekwood. Admire photographs, paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Cherish the different artistic styles and periods represented in the collection.

• Attend special exhibitions: Look for any special exhibitions on display during your visit. Regularly, Cheekwood hosts temporary exhibitions that highlight particular artists, themes, or artistic movements. These exhibitions provide a unique perspective and the opportunity to view contemporary and thought-provoking works of art.

• Enjoy seasonal festivals and events: Attend one of Cheekwood's seasonal festivals or events, please. The Cheekwood in Bloom festival celebrates spring with breathtaking floral displays, whereas the Holiday Lights event transforms the gardens into a winter wonderland. Typically, these events feature live music, activities, and unique programming.

• Relax at the cafe and shop: Visit the Cheekwood Café for a meal, snack, or beverage during a break. While enjoying refreshments, take in the beautiful scenery. Along with that, the gift shop is stocked with unique souvenirs, art-inspired merchandise, books, and home décor items.