Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Overview

Cheekwood is a 55-acre estate in West Nashville featuring a 1930s Georgian mansion, 12 distinct botanical gardens, and a rotating art programme. Originally the home of the Cheek coffee family (Maxwell House), it blends art museum and botanical garden in a single ticket.

Highlights

• Botanical gardens: Japanese Garden, Herb Garden, Color Garden, and a 1.5-mile woodland sculpture trail.
• Mansion galleries: Rotating exhibitions in the original rooms—past shows include Chihuly glass and Kusama dots.
• Holiday Lights: CHEEKWOOD LIGHTS (November–January) is Nashville's premier holiday light installation.

History

Leslie and Mabel Cheek built the mansion in 1929, funded by the family's stake in Maxwell House coffee. They donated the estate to the public in 1957. The botanical gardens were developed in phases through the 1960s and 70s.

Visitor Tips

• Seasonal visits: Spring (tulips), summer (roses), autumn (foliage), and winter (lights) each offer a different experience.
• Closed Mondays.
• Duration: 2–2.5 hours.