The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Historic Downtown Bristol, Virginia, tells the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and their influence on country music. Its exhibits combine music, recordings and regional history, with live radio broadcasts from inside the museum.
- Location: 101 Country Music Way in Historic Downtown Bristol.
- From downtown Bristol: About a 4-minute drive or a 30-minute walk.
- Regular hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
- General admission: $13 plus tax; reduced admission and free admission for young children are available.
What does the Birthplace of Country Music Museum cover?
The museum explains how the 1927 Bristol Sessions helped shape early commercial country music and how that music’s influence continues in the region and beyond. It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.
In 1927, record producer Ralph Peer brought a portable recording studio to Bristol’s Taylor-Christian Hat Company. Over two weeks, he recorded 76 songs by 19 acts, including the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers and Ernest “Pop” Stoneman. The museum traces the sessions and their legacy, placing them in the context of Bristol’s musical history.
The museum stands in Historic Downtown Bristol, an area that straddles the Tennessee–Virginia state line. For a broader look at the area around State Street, use this guide to Bristol City Centre and State Street when planning time downtown.
What can you see and do inside?
Permanent exhibits use interactive displays, films, audio experiences, artifacts and photographs to bring the Bristol Sessions and their legacy to life. You can also see behind the scenes of Radio Bristol, which broadcasts live from within the exhibit space.
The Special Exhibit Gallery presents rotating exhibitions curated by the museum, guest curators or other institutions, including the Smithsonian. Topics range across music, Appalachian culture, history, science and art. Allow at least 1.5–2 hours for the permanent exhibits and at least 30 minutes for a special exhibition.
All exhibit spaces and theaters are wheelchair accessible, and films are closed-captioned. Small purses, diaper bags and strollers are permitted. Outside food and drink are not allowed; closed water bottles are permitted but cannot be opened in the galleries.
What are the museum’s hours and ticket options?
Its holiday schedule includes closures on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It is open regular hours on July 4 and New Year’s Eve, and closed on Mondays that fall on Memorial Day or Labor Day.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
- Sunday: 1 PM–5 PM
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
General admission is $13 plus tax. The $11 plus tax discounted rate applies to seniors, college students with ID, military, children ages 6–17 and groups of 20 or more. Children 5 and under enter free. Special-exhibit-only admission is $5, while special exhibitions are included with general admission. The museum also offers $3 Museums for All admission.
A ticket gives you access for the full day, including the option to leave and re-enter using your museum wristband. Adult and motor-coach groups can choose a shorter introductory guided tour or a one-hour guided tour; advance booking is available for tour customization and add-ons. Hours and admission details can change, so check the official site before you go.
How do you get to the museum from downtown Bristol?
The museum is about 1.5 miles from Travel Inn, with a trip of about 4 minutes by car or 30 minutes on foot. Its address is 101 Country Music Way, Bristol, Virginia 24201.
Free parking is available in a lot across the street at Cumberland and Moore Streets. Free two-hour street parking is available on Cumberland Street, Moore Street and Country Music Way.
If you are planning a full day around town, a one-day Bristol itinerary can help you fit the museum into a downtown visit.
What else is near the museum in downtown Bristol?
Restaurants, a bakery and breweries are within walking distance of the museum. State Street and nearby side streets are also restaurant areas, making it easy to pair a museum visit with a meal downtown.
For groups, the museum offers guided tour options, while individual visitors can use the full-day ticket to leave and return on the same day. If ice or snow affects your plans, the museum says it closes when the City of Bristol, Virginia, closes and may also close early; check its Facebook page or call 423-573-1927 in those conditions.
FAQs
How long should you allow for a visit?
Allow at least 1.5–2 hours for the permanent exhibits, plus at least 30 minutes for a special exhibition.
Are special exhibitions included with admission?
Yes. Special exhibitions are included with general admission. A separate ticket for the special exhibition only is $5.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
All exhibit spaces and theaters are wheelchair accessible, and all films are closed-captioned.
Can you bring food or drinks into the galleries?
Outside food and drink are not permitted. Closed water bottles are allowed, but may not be opened in the galleries.