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Day Trips from Knoxville

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Day Trips from Knoxville: Art Galleries & Cultural Attractions

The best art galleries, cultural attractions, and creative destinations within driving distance of Knoxville, TN. World-class museums, local galleries, sculpture gardens, and artist communities worth the trip. Ratings, drive times, and booking info included.

12 art & culture near Knoxville

Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts, Spartanburg, SC 29303

Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts

Spartanburg, SC 29303

Just 2 hrs 56 min from Knoxville, rated 4.9 stars, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

2 hrs 56 min4.9 (35)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Oak Ridge Art Center, Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Oak Ridge Art Center

Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Just 31 min from Knoxville, rated 4.9 stars, rich in history and well worth exploring.

31 min4.9 (72)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Art Garden AVL, Asheville, NC 28801

Art Garden AVL

Asheville, NC 28801

Just 2 hrs 1 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 122 visitors, a cultural standout with galleries and local arts.

2 hrs 1 min4.8 (122)Arts & Culture$10 - $30

Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.

The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts, Highlands, NC 28741

The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts

Highlands, NC 28741

Just 2 hrs 51 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars by 233 visitors, a popular destination with plenty to see and do.

2 hrs 51 min4.8 (233)Attraction$10 - $40

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and smaller crowds at most attractions.

Bluff View Sculpture Garden, Chattanooga, TN 37403

Bluff View Sculpture Garden

Chattanooga, TN 37403

Just 1 hr 48 min from Knoxville, rated 4.8 stars, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 48 min4.8 (37)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Plateau Creative Arts Center, Crossville, TN 38558

Plateau Creative Arts Center

Crossville, TN 38558

Just 1 hr 14 min from Knoxville, rated 4.7 stars by 120 visitors, a cultural standout with galleries and local arts.

1 hr 14 min4.7 (120)Arts & Culture$10 - $30

Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.

Bardo Arts Center, Cullowhee, NC 28723

Bardo Arts Center

Cullowhee, NC 28723

Just 2 hrs 10 min from Knoxville, rated 4.7 stars by 177 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 10 min4.7 (177)History$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, Boone, NC 28608

Turchin Center for the Visual Arts

Boone, NC 28608

Just 2 hrs 53 min from Knoxville, rated 4.7 stars, a cultural standout with galleries and local arts.

2 hrs 53 min4.7 (100)Arts & CultureAdventure$10 - $30

Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.

Grovewood Village, Asheville, NC 28804

Grovewood Village

Asheville, NC 28804

Just 2 hrs 9 min from Knoxville, rated 4.7 stars by 446 visitors, a cultural standout with galleries and local arts.

2 hrs 9 min4.7 (446)Arts & CultureHistoryAdventure$10 - $30

Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.

Hunter Museum of American Art, Chattanooga, TN 37403

Hunter Museum of American Art

Chattanooga, TN 37403

Just 1 hr 48 min from Knoxville, rated 4.7 stars by 2,048 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 48 min4.7 (2,048)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center, Hendersonville, TN 37075

Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center

Hendersonville, TN 37075

Just 2 hrs 53 min from Knoxville, rated 4.7 stars by 152 visitors, a cultural standout with galleries and local arts.

2 hrs 53 min4.7 (152)Arts & CultureHistoryAdventure$10 - $30

Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.

River Gallery, Chattanooga, TN 37403

River Gallery

Chattanooga, TN 37403

Just 1 hr 48 min from Knoxville, rated 4.7 stars, a cultural standout with galleries and local arts.

1 hr 48 min4.7 (69)Arts & CultureAdventure$10 - $30

Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Art & Culture Day Trips from Knoxville

What are the best art galleries near Knoxville, TN?

The best art destinations near Knoxville include regional art museums, contemporary galleries, sculpture gardens, and artist colony towns. Check the cards above for top-rated cultural spots with drive times.

Are there free art galleries near Knoxville?

Yes. Many galleries near Knoxville are free to visit, and several museums offer free admission days or pay-what-you-wish hours. Check individual listings for current admission policies.

What cultural events happen near Knoxville?

Art walks, gallery openings, sculpture exhibitions, and cultural festivals run throughout the year in communities near Knoxville. Summer and fall tend to have the most events. Check local calendars before planning your trip.

When is the best time to visit art destinations near Knoxville?

Art galleries and museums are great year-round. For outdoor sculpture gardens, spring through fall is ideal. Many communities host art festivals and open studio events in summer and early fall.

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