Nashville’s musical roots attract tourists from everywhere, and the street art scene has grown into something special. Since 2014, the Nashville Walls Project has changed the city's artistic map completely.
The “What Lifts You” wings at 302 11th Avenue South are one of the most photographed spots in town.
The “I Believe in Nashville” mural came back stronger after the tornadoes hit, and it shows the city's spirit.
The bright “Candy Hearts” mural has turned into a hotspot where bachelorette parties love to take photos. “Tennessee Tough” artwork proves how strong the city stayed during tough times.
A Nashville charter bus makes it easy to see these iconic murals when you only have a day to explore. You can move naturally from the music-inspired “Giant Ear & Microphone” mural to the popular “Looking Pretty, Music City” artwork. No need to worry about parking or getting lost – you'll have more time to enjoy what the city has to offer.
Music and Murals: The Heart of Nashville
Nashville's vibrant murals shine bright as an integral part of the city's cultural identity. These artistic expressions reveal more than talent – they capture Music City's spirit.
What Lifts You And The Power of Interactive Art
The Gulch neighborhood features one of Nashville's most photographed spots – Kelsey Montague's magnificent “What Lifts You” wings mural. The black and white masterpiece, standing at an impressive 20 feet high, was created with 60 paint pens. Visitors can become part of this art piece. The delicate white lace wings hide Nashville-themed Easter eggs that include guitars, cowboy hats, and barbecues.
You'll find this mural at 302 11th Avenue South. Lines of eager photographers gather here, so it's best to visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. The mural reflects Nashville's welcoming nature and shows how music and community bring people together.
Community Pride in Nashville
Adrien Saporiti's “I Believe in Nashville” mural first appearing in March 2012 in the 12 South neighborhood, has grown into something bigger than wall art. The design uses three bold colors and four words that symbolize resilience, especially after the devastating 2010 Tennessee floods.
The mural draws inspiration from the Tennessee State Flag's colors and tristar. It has become Nashville's recognizable symbol of pride. The artwork has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, GQ, music videos, and numerous commercials. It has surpassed its original form to become a cultural icon. The mural's survival through the 2020 tornadoes became a powerful symbol of the city's strength.
Hear This Nashville And The City's Musical Roots
Adam Newman's colorful “Hear This Nashville” mural stands at 901 Gleaves Street. A giant ear and microphone celebrate the city's musical heritage. Visitors love to take photos by the microphone in this unique setting.
“Hear Here Nashville” written beneath the figures encourages active listening and community dialog. This message perfectly captures Nashville's essence as a city where stories and songs matter.
Public Art and Sculptures Worth Seeing
Nashville's skyline features remarkable sculptures that add depth to the city's artistic character. These massive artworks showcase Nashville's history and serve as memorable landmarks that captivate both tourists and residents.
Ghost Ballet And the Cumberland River
Stretching 100 feet high and 100 feet wide, “Ghost Ballet for the East Bank Machineworks” creates a bold silhouette along the Cumberland River. Artist Alice Aycock created this 60-foot-deep red steel sculpture in 2007. The piece stands between Nissan Stadium and the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Its design breaks down a gantry crane to celebrate Nashville's rich history of river commerce.
Ghost Ballet showcases “static animation” that seems to shift shape as viewers walk around it, similar to dance movements. The sculpture's neon elements create an ethereal glow that reflects on the water at night. The artwork received a special fluoropolymer coating in 2014 to keep its bright red color.
Music at Music Row Roundabout
Alan LeQuire's Musica dominates Music Row Roundabout as the largest sculpture group in the United States. This bronze masterpiece came to life in 2003. Nine nude figures dance in a circle, reaching 38 feet into the sky. Each figure towers at 15 feet – more than twice human size.
LeQuire crafted a diverse monument that represents multiple cultures. The figures include two Caucasian women and one man, an African-American couple, an Asian-American woman, a Native American man, and a Hispanic couple. Though the nudity sparked debate initially, Musica now stands as a Nashville icon. The community often dresses it up for special occasions.
Citizen And Other Downtown Installations
Thomas Sayre's Citizen graces the Public Square with two 30-foot-tall steel and glass structures that represent male and female torsos. The 2010 installation stands out because visitors can interact with it. Each sculpture has a wheel that lets people rotate the figures and point their arms in different directions.
The sculptures pay tribute to Nashville's influential leaders, from the city's founders to civil rights champions. The glass torsos light up at night and become gathering spots for the community.
Food, Photos, and Fun Stops
Nashville's picture-perfect spots turn into a tasty adventure if you know the right places to grab a bite between photo shoots. The city's art scene and food culture blend naturally with each other. You'll find amazing experiences beyond the usual tourist destinations.
Best Mural-Side Cafes and Eateries
The famous “What Lifts You” wings in the Gulch lead you right to Milk and Honey at 214 11th Ave S. Early birds can head to Biscuit Love for Southern comfort food just 0.1 miles from the popular mural. The “I Believe in Nashville” mural in 12South puts you close to Five Daughters Bakery, which shows off its own cute “I Heart Donuts” mural wall.
Hampton Social and Pinewood Social give you more than great food – their Instagram-ready interiors make perfect photo backgrounds. The downtown Las Palmas near East Nashville's murals features their “La Catrina Gone Country” mural that brings Mexican and Nashville cultures together.
Where to Find The Taylor Swift Bench
Nashville gave Taylor Swift a special bench in Centennial Park in May 2023, inspired by her “Invisible String” lyrics. A green plaque on the bench reads “For Taylor Swift, a bench for you to read on at Centennial Park. Welcome home, Nashville”. You'll find this photo spot in the Sunken Gardens next to Lake Watauga, marked clearly on Google Maps. The city made it a true Swiftie destination by adding a willow tree nearby, as a nod to her song “Willow”.
Tips to Capture The Perfect Mural Photo
- Head to popular murals early morning or late afternoon to dodge crowds and harsh shadows
- Watch your surroundings – many murals sit on busy streets
- Play with different angles instead of taking straight-on shots
- Pick clothes that work well with the mural's colors
A Nashville charter bus makes it easy to visit these scattered photo spots. You'll get comfortable rides without parking headaches while checking off these must-do spots in Nashville during one day in Nashville.
Getting Around and Making the Most of One Day in Nashville
A well-planned transportation strategy makes it easy to see Nashville's artistic side. The city's attractions spread across different neighborhoods, but good planning turns what could be a busy day into a smooth trip.
Why a Nashville Charter Bus Is Ideal for Groups
A Nashville charter bus from Metropolitan Shuttle gives groups an unmatched way to see Music City's vibrant art scene. These big vehicles fit up to 56 passengers per bus, so everyone can travel together in comfort. The amenities make a real difference – you get WiFi, reclining seats, and plenty of space for luggage that lets your group relax between stops.
The professional drivers know Nashville's streets well. They handle all the driving and parking hassles so you can focus on enjoying yourself. Smaller groups might prefer mini buses that carry 18-25 passengers. These offer the same comfort but are easier to drive through busy downtown streets.
Suggested route for a full-day mural and music tour
Here's the quickest way to see everything one day in Nashville:
- Morning (8-11am): Start at The Gulch for the “What Lifts You” wings, then breakfast at Milk & Honey
- Late Morning (11am-1pm): Visit 12South for “I Believe in Nashville” and Five Daughters Bakery
- Afternoon (1-4pm): Explore downtown sculptures including Ghost Ballet and Musica
- Evening (4-7pm): Head to East Nashville for “Hear This Nashville” mural
- Night (7pm onward): Broadway for dinner and live music
Other Must Do in Nashville if you have extra time
If you have more time, there are many more amazing must do in Nashville spots to check out. The Nashville Parthenon in Centennial Park is a full-size replica of the Greek original and makes for great photos. You might also want to visit the historic Ryman Auditorium, known as the “Mother Church of Country Music”.
Nashville has endless possibilities beyond murals and music. You can visit the Belle Meade Plantation or check out Printer's Alley's exciting nightlife. A Nashville charter bus remains your best choice to make the most of your time in Music City.
Conclusion
Nashville perfectly blends artistic expression with its musical heritage. The city has a rich source of 35+ murals that tell stories of resilience, community pride, and creative spirit among its legendary music scene. The interactive “What Lifts You” wings and the symbolically powerful “I Believe in Nashville” mural have become landmarks that locals and visitors cherish.
The monumental sculptures across Nashville enhance your experience even more. Ghost Ballet's striking silhouette along the Cumberland River and the impressive Musica at Music Row Roundabout are evidence of the city's dedication to public art. These installations and the delightful food stops nearby create a memorable trip through Music City.
A charter bus provides exceptional comfort as you move between artistic and musical destinations in Nashville. You can relax and enjoy the trip instead of worrying about navigation or parking, thanks to the spacious seating, uninterrupted Wi-Fi, and professional drivers who know the city's layout. This comfortable transport helps you make the most of your time in Music City, particularly if you have just one day.
Nashville's country music roots might have caught your attention first, but the city's vibrant artistic culture will without doubt leave a lasting impression. You can follow our suggested one-day itinerary or create your own path through the colorful streets. Nashville's unique charm comes from this beautiful blend of music, murals, and memorable experiences. Your perfect day in Nashville is ready – packed with photo opportunities, delicious food, and cultural discoveries beyond the typical tourist experience.
FAQs
Q1. What are some must-see murals in Nashville?
Some of Nashville's most iconic murals include the “What Lifts You” wings in The Gulch, the “I Believe in Nashville” mural in 12South, and the “Hear This Nashville” mural featuring a giant ear and microphone. These vibrant artworks showcase the city's creative spirit and make for great photo opportunities.
Q2. How can I best explore Nashville's murals in one day?
To make the most of your mural exploration, consider using a Nashville charter bus for comfortable transportation between locations. Start in The Gulch, then head to 12South, and finish in East Nashville. This route allows you to see a variety of murals while also experiencing different neighborhoods.
Q3. Are there any food stops near Nashville's popular murals?
Yes, many eateries are conveniently located near popular murals. For instance, after visiting the “What Lifts You” wings, you can grab breakfast at Milk & Honey or Biscuit Love nearby. In 12South, Five Daughters Bakery offers sweet treats near the “I Believe in Nashville” mural.
Q4. What other artistic attractions does Nashville offer besides murals?
Nashville boasts impressive public sculptures like the “Ghost Ballet” along the Cumberland River and “Musica” at Music Row Roundabout. The city also offers cultural venues like Cheekwood Botanical Gardens & Estate and the Frist Art Museum for those interested in a broader artistic experience.
Q5. How can I capture the best photos of Nashville's murals?
For the best mural photos, visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh shadows. Experiment with different angles rather than just straight-on shots, and consider wearing colors that complement or contrast with the mural. Be mindful of your surroundings, as many murals are located on busy streets.