Tour the Historic Belmont Mansion in Nashville

Researching “Things to do in Nashville” will likely turn up suggestions of touring the historic Belmont Mansion. It’s a beautiful house southwest of downtown Nashville and on the campus of Belmont University. What makes this a unique destination to visit while in Nashville? It’s one of the few 1850s era homes still standing in Nashville. It’s also the largest home built in Tennessee prior to the Civil War.

A visit to Belmont Mansion is a simple way to learn about the Tennessee people of the 1850s. Here’s a rundown to help you plan a visit and guided tour of the Belmont Mansion.

Directions and Tickets to the Belmont Mansion

Belmont Mansion is less than three miles from downtown Nashville on the northwest corner of Belmont University. The parking area next to the mansion is not very large, but if you drove your own vehicle, you should be able to snag a parking spot. We avoided renting a car during our trip, so we snagged an UBER to make the trip and were dropped off in the parking area. There is no cost to park.

When you arrive, ring the door bell at the front door. Don’t open the door yourself. They will open it for you – I think it’s a way of preserving the front door.

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I recommend purchasing tickets online in advance of your visit. But you can purchase the general access tickets at the door if needed. There are three options you can choose from for your visit:

General Admission

These tickets can be purchased in advance of your visit, or day of at the front desk. After a short overview by one of the guides, you’re free to wander the house on your own. There are signs throughout the mansion you can read to learn about different aspects of the house and what you’re looking at. Ticket prices are $18 for adults, $17 for seniors/military, $8 for youth (ages 13-18) and $6 for children (ages 6-12). Children 5 and under are free.

Guided Tour

These tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance of your visit. There must be a minimum of two people on the tour – 10 people maximum. Your guided tour will share more information about the house, its occupants and the region that what you’ll find in the self-guided tour. You’ll be taken through each room and the guide will share the stories. Plan on about 45-60 minutes for the tour inside the mansion. Tickets are $22 for adults and $12 for children/youth (ages 6-18).

Curator’s Tour

If you’re really serious about diving into the content and stories of the Belmont Mansion, schedule a Curator’s Tour. These 1.5 hour tours take you behind the roped-off areas of the house with a knowledgeable guide. The tour is only available Monday-Friday and must be scheduled more than 24 hours in advance. There must be at least two people on the tour, but no more than 10. Tickets are $30 for adults.

What to Expect on the Guided Tour

Arrive about 5-10 minutes before the start of your guided tour. You’ll be directed to the gift shop to wander and wait. The tour guide will snag your group when it’s time and start sharing with you the history of the mansion and its occupants.

There are several rooms and areas inside the Belmont Mansion. You’ll spend about five to seven minutes in each room as the tour guide share the history of the family or explains the significance of a piece of art or artifact in the room. Without giving away too much about what’s shared on the tour, here’s a brief history of the Belmont Mansion.

It was built by Joseph and Adelicia Acklen on their 180-acre summer estate. Construction started in 1849 and was completed in 1860 – although this includes multiple expansions and additions. At the time, the mansion was built well outside of the city and even featured elaborate gardens and a zoo. Adelicia’s first husband made his fortune as a slave trader, and when he died in 1849, the fortune was given to her.

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She amassed art during a tour through Europe, and much of that are is on display in the mansion today. It should also be noted that during the Civil War, the mansion was unharmed – other than some wear and tear on the grounds from 13,000 Union troops who setup camp there in 1864 for two weeks.

The tour will share so much more information about Adelicia, her husbands, fortune and family. With that in mind, I definitely recommend the guided tour as opposed to the self-guided tour.

Check out the Museum Gift Shop and Grounds

As mentioned earlier, your guided tour will begin in the gift shop. But if you don’t have a lot of time to wander, I recommend revisiting it at some point during your visit. There are some fun a elegant items you can purchase, like teacups, scarves and jewelry. You can snag a coffee mug, book, sticker, t-shirt or pieces of art.

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Although the Belmont Mansion is surrounded by Belmont University and all the buildings associated with the school, the grounds around the house are worth wandering. Since the Belmont Mansion was a type of zoo in its early years, there are smaller statues of animals scattered around. There are ornate statues and even some gazebos. You can rest under the shade of one of the large trees or relax for a moment on a park bench. The Belmont Mansion grounds are a great place to sit and ponder what life was like in the early years of Nashville, Tennessee.

The Details

Address: Belmont Blvd & Acklen Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212 (northern end of Belmont University campus)

How long to spend: 45-60 minutes

Cost: The guided tours are $22 for adults, $12 for children/youth (ages 6-18). Self-guided tours are $18 for adults, $17 for seniors/military, $8 for youth (ages 13-18) and $6 for children (ages 6-12). Children 5 and under are free.

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The last tour starts at 3:30 p.m.

Website: https://www.belmontmansion.com/

Phone: (615) 460-5459

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