-
January 2024 by C H
Amazing museum. Patrick was awesome and full of knowledge on the Bristol area..
-
December 2023 by Martin Wilbanks
I took my 2 nephews to the museum in Aug. 2023 for the first time. Highly recommend that you visit. Awesome experience! Will definitely go again.
-
December 2023 by Chris Cooke
Birthplace of Country Music is a must see for and fan of country music and its origins of recorded music back in 1927. Plenty to see and learn more each time we stop in.
-
December 2023 by Kimberly Pitra
Not much to see. Alot of open space. Movie was informative.
-
October 2023 by Susan Greene
What an interesting and educational interactive museum! I loved learning about the Bristol Sessions and hearing the music recorded in those sessions. I have read the story of the Carter Family, "Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone", so I knew a little about what happened in Bristol in the 1920's, but this experience open my eyes so much wider. I especially enjoyed the interactive exhibits, including recording myself to the soundtrack of an old song. Once you pay for the day, you can come and go. We stayed for 2 hours, went somewhere for lunch, then came back for another hour or so. I wish I'd planned to spend more time there.
-
August 2023 by Scott Tyson - Realtor
We went to the Country Music museum in Bristol which is the birthplace of country music. They were very nice there and even though there were three of us they only charged us for one person since it was going to close in 40 minutes. As we stuck around the gift shop they didn’t rush us when we apologized for keeping them late a couple of minutes. If you’re a country music fan, I recommend checking it out. 9 out of 10 stars.
-
August 2023 by Josh DeVine
Really interesting to learn the history of the Bristol Sessions and see how they impacted what we know today about country music. The museum is well organized, with plenty of exhibits, good content and experiences for children, and a nice gift shop in the lobby. Everyone we've interacted with over the years has been helpful and enthusiastic about the museum and its place in Bristol history!
-
May 2023 by Evelyn Cautious
Although Country music is not my favorite music genre I do love history. This place is totally awesome. The docent was informative, many of the exhibits are interactive and all are great. If you are planning a visit anywhere near NE TN I highly recommend this place.
-
May 2023 by Jeana Gregory
This museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian.It details and chronicles the earliest recordings of County Music, known as the Bristol Sessions, a 10 day recording session in the early 1900's.There are many instruments from that Era as well as some newer but still historically significant.It's got some hands on exhibits, such as sound stations that allows you to interact and choose music from the Bristol Sessions.There are also sound proof booths where you can sing a long.The famous Carter family were 1st recorded there.Johnny and June Carter Cash's son narrates videos in the museum.
-
February 2023 by Bobby R
Great place! A lot to see and learn. Knowledgable staff and excellent layout. I learned a lot more than I was expecting and emerged with a new understanding and appreciation of country music.
-
February 2023 by Kristen F.
This place is AMAZING. I get something new from it every time I visit. Leave plenty of time to listen to the sessions.
-
November 2022 by Ju L.
Pros: Interactive, modern museum. Informative on the early days of country music in the surrounding areas. Cons: N/A
-
October 2022 by Victoria McIntyre
Lovely museum - a must-see if you’re in the area (FREE if you’re staying at the Bristol Hotel next door!!). I’m a music lover and enjoy learning music history; admittedly, I don’t know much about country music or the Bristol Sessions, so I learned quite a bit and had a great time!The displays are laid out well - lots of things to watch, listen to, look at, tinker with, etc. It’s very interactive. Seeing the instrument exhibits and videos inspired me to want to take out my instruments at home and relearn them.Also— it wasn’t really on display, but a piano used during the Bristol Sessions is tucked away near the coat rack behind the “main” stairwell in the lobby. We thought it was neat and surprised it wasn’t displayed out. Check it out!The volunteers are very friendly and knowledgeable. Ask them anything and they have an answer for you or will find out the answer to your question. They love hosting out of town guests and will share recommendations for the area.It’s well worth your time and money to visit this museum, even if country music isn’t your thing. We had a great experience and highly recommend it.
-
October 2022 by Ethan Silvers
I'm a diehard country music fan, and made the little day trip out to Bristol for this museum.I was not disappointed. While it's not the biggest museum ever, it's loaded with history and presented in a very fluid and easy-to-understand way.Will definitely come back again sometime, and recommened this to anyone.
-
September 2022 by Gilbert G.
I would give this place 6 stars if that's possible. I visited in mid-September 2022. This is an outstanding museum with excellent historical facts on the famous Bristol sessions of 1927 and 1928. You'll learn about the Carter family, Jimmy Rogers, and Mr. Stoneman - who set the standard for country music (which continues to be emulated to this day). One highlight is the "sing-along" booth where you can practice one of four songs and record yourself karaoke style. I loved the "unbroken circle" exhibit where you could hear Jimmy Rogers - and then hear examples of country music artists with echoes of Jimmy Rogers. The gift shop is really nice - if you get a chance, be sure to watch the Ken Burns PBS special on country music. It will enhance your appreciation of this museum. Bristol was a strategic location because of the direct railroad access to New York City. Oh - if you're staying at the Bristol hotel a block away, just show your room key at the front (admission is free). Loved this museum!
