Informational content only — always verify hours and admission with each garden before visiting.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens — The Historic Mansion & Formal Gardens

Tennessee · Est. 1960

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Nashville's premier art museum and botanical garden on a historic 55-acre estate

Founded

1960

Size

55 acres

Hardiness Zone

USDA Zone 7a

Best Season

April–May

About Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Cheekwood is a 55-acre estate featuring an art museum in a 1930s Georgian mansion and 12 distinct botanical gardens. Originally the home of the Cheek family (Maxwell House Coffee), it opened to the public in 1960.

History & Heritage

Built 1929–1932 for Leslie and Mabel Cheek. Designed by architect Bryant Fleming. Gifted to the public in 1957 and opened as a museum and botanical garden in 1960.

Signature Feature

The Historic Mansion & Formal Gardens

The 30,000-square-foot Georgian mansion sits atop a hill overlooking terraced formal gardens designed by Bryant Fleming, integrating sculpture, water features, and seasonal plantings.

Photo Gallery

The Georgian-style mansion overlooking formal gardens

The Georgian-style mansion overlooking formal gardens

Japanese Garden with stone lanterns

Japanese Garden with stone lanterns

Seasonal tulip display

Seasonal tulip display

Notable Collections

Japanese Garden

Tranquil garden with stone lanterns, koi pond, and Japanese maples.

Herb Study Garden

Organized by use: culinary, medicinal, fragrant, and dye plants.

Carell Woodland Sculpture Trail

1.5-mile trail with contemporary sculpture amid native forest.

Color Garden

Seasonal displays with 50,000+ tulips in spring.

Plan Before You Go

Hours, Parking & Accessibility

Hours & Seasonal Timing

Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5pm; Closed Monday

Best seasonal window: April–May (tulips), October (fall color)

Parking & Arrival

Free on-site parking

Check the official visit page for event-day parking changes and arrival instructions.

Accessibility

Partially accessible; some gravel paths

Contact the garden before visiting to discuss route conditions, mobility equipment, or support needs.

Visitor details are reviewed from the garden's public information and were last checked May 2026. Policies, prices, and route conditions can change; confirm final arrangements directly with the garden.

Recognition & Awards

  • Accredited by American Alliance of Museums
  • Nashville landmark

Editorial Standards

This profile was prepared by the BotanicalGardens.blog editorial research desk using official garden pages and other named sources where available. Hours, admission, and access details can change; confirm them with the garden before a special trip. This profile was last reviewed May 2026. If you notice an inaccuracy, please contact us.

Plan Your Visit

April–May (tulips), October (fall color)

Address

1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205

Phone

(615) 356-8000

Hours

Tuesday–Sunday 9am–5pm; Closed Monday

Admission

Adults $25, Seniors $22, Students $18, Children $15

Parking

Free on-site parking

Accessibility

Partially accessible; some gravel paths

Insider Tips

  • 1Cheekwood in Bloom features 150,000+ bulbs
  • 2Holiday LIGHTS in December is a Nashville tradition
  • 3Carell Woodland Trail best on cool mornings
  • 4Combine with nearby Belle Meade Plantation

Nearby Attractions

  • Belle Meade Historic Site (2 mi)
  • Centennial Park & The Parthenon (7 mi)
  • Downtown Nashville (8 mi)

For an overnight visit, compare options around the garden address and choose the route, accessibility features, and cancellation terms that fit your plans.

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