There's much to explore in Nashville's vibrant art scene as you wander through galleries filled with local, regional, and international works.

We’ve compiled a list of current and upcoming exhibitions — categorized by museum — to put on your calendar this year, as well as forthcoming art sales. Note: This list is not comprehensive, and it’s possible new exhibitions will be announced as the year goes on.

Museums and gardens

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Edgar Degas: The Private Impressionist | March 9-June 16 | Over 50 drawings, prints, and photographs by French artist Edgar Degas (1834-1917)
Cheekwood Debuts: The Masterpiece Art Series | March 9-June 16 | New series dedicated to showing a single or small grouping of iconic, world-renowned pieces
TROLLS: Save the Humans | May 2-Sept. 1 | Six giant trolls ranging from 16 to 50 ft tall placed throughout Cheekwood

Get excited for future exhibitions coming to the Frist Art Museum in 2023. | Photo by NASHtoday

Frist Art Museum

Monuments and Myths | March 1–May 27 | The work of Gilded Age sculptors Daniel Chester French and Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Southern/Modern | Jan. 26–April 28 | Paintings and works on paper created in the American South from 1913 to 1955
Black Joy, in Spite of. . . | April 5-Sept. 2 | Historical imagery paired with present day art selected by guest curator Brigette Janea Jones
Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous | May 30-Aug. 25 | 65 photos curated by photographer Ann Ray, 50+ dress objects spanning McQueen's career, and 10 gifted garments from Ray's wardrobe
Shahpour Pouyan: Winter in Paradise | May 30-Aug. 25 | Drawings and ceramic sculptures, as well as Pouyan's first VR installation
¡Printing the Revolution! | June 28–Sept. 29 | 119 works ranging from traditional screen prints and digital graphics to augmented reality pieces and site-specific installations
María Magdalena Campos-Pons: Behold | Sept. 27–Jan. 5, 2025 | Photography, installation, painting, and performance spanning the nearly four-decade career of Campos-Pons
Journey through Japan: Myths to Manga | Oct. 25–Feb. 16, 2025 | All-ages exhibit offering a colorful, atmospheric exploration divided into four thematic sections — Sky, Sea, Forest, and City

See other exhibits currently on display at the Frist.

Tennessee State Museum

STARS: Statewide Elementary Exhibition | Opens March 23 | Artwork created by K-5th grade students from across Tennessee, selected by a panel of judges
Tennessee Furniture: Selections from the State Museum Collection | Opens April 20 | Historic and contemporary furniture constructed from native woods, made in local shops, or crafted by lifelong residents

Warning: This art may make you hungry. | Photo via Tomato Art Fest

Art sales and shows

The Chestnut Group: Painting the Greenways | April 25-28 | The art sale features original plein air works inspired by Nashville's greenways, with a portion of sales donated to Greenways for Nashville. Save the date for the Shelby Park and Bottoms art sale later this year.
The Harding Art Show | May 2-4 | Now in its 48th year, the Harding Art Show showcases art from more than 75 artists from across the country, including this year's featured artist Ashley Mary.
Tomato Art Fest | Aug. 9-10 | Peruse tomato-themed paintings, sculptures, textiles, and other mediums for sale.
Artville | Sept. 27-29 | Last year's event featured installations and murals all over Wedgewood-Houston, as well as gallery shows and after dark events.