Belmont Mansion

Activity Overview

Belmont Mansion is one of the top tourist attractions in Nashville, Tennessee. This historic mansion was built in 1849 as the summer home of plantation owner Adelicia Hayes Franklin and her new husband Joseph Alexander Smith Acklen. The extravagant 36-room home featured gardens, an art gallery, an aviary, a lake, and even a zoo that held monkeys, bears, and alligators. Today, the beautiful mansion is part of Belmont University, and is used as a museum which focuses on the life and legacy of its owner. If you're interested in seeing one of the most magnificent buildings in Nashville and learning a bit about the history of the South, then stop by Belmont Mansion!

Things to Do

• Take a tour of the mansion! Tours typically take about an hour, and feature information on the life and legacy of Adelicia Acklen as well as the building's stunning architectural design.
• Explore the collection - there are a number of historic artifacts on display in the mansion, including Adelicia's jewelry, paintings, and furniture.
• If you'd prefer to tour the building on your own, consider downloading or streaming one of their informative podcasts, which will teach you all about the mansion as well as its fountain, gazebo, and water tower.

Belmont Mansion Insider Tips

• Parking can be difficult - if you can't find an empty parking space in the lot adjacent to the mansion, you should be able to find street parking on campus or on nearby city streets.
• Make sure you stop by the Museum Shop to pick up a souvenir - they sell everything from artwork to jewelry.
• Check out their Events page to learn about upcoming events and programs that your family can attend.