The definitive museum of American country music — a massive purpose-built institution in SoBro with Elvis's gold Cadillac, original recordings, stage costumes, and the most comprehensive account of country music's history and cultural significance available anywhere. The studio tour at RCA Studio B is essential.
Why It’s Worth Your Time
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the best music museum in America — a large, purpose-built institution in SoBro that tells the story of country music from its Appalachian and Western roots through to the present day with genuine depth and sophistication. The permanent collection includes Elvis Presley's gold-leaf Cadillac (a highlight of any visit), Nudie suits of extraordinary flamboyance, original recordings and instruments, and an oral history archive of remarkable depth. The Rotunda features the inductee plaques for every Hall of Fame member from Jimmy Rodgers to Taylor Swift. Add the Historic RCA Studio B tour ($15 supplement) — the studio where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, and hundreds of others recorded; guides play back original recordings in the original acoustic environment. Budget two to three hours minimum for the museum; the Studio B tour adds another hour.
What Stands Out
- Elvis's gold-leaf Cadillac: the most showstopping object in any music museum in the country
- Historic RCA Studio B tour: where Elvis and Dolly Parton recorded — hear the originals in the original room
- Nudie suits: the most flamboyant objects in American music history
- Hall of Fame Rotunda: every inductee from Jimmie Rodgers to Taylor Swift
- Budget 2–3 hours for the museum + 1 hour for Studio B