NASHVILLE, TN — Tennessee State Museum was awarded the Excellence in Development Award in the Large Public Sector category by Urban Land Institute Nashville. Judges praised the design of the museum including the use of local materials to create a world-class museum.

The Tennessee State Museum illuminates the rich and diverse history of the citizens of Tennessee and enlivens Nashville’s Bicentennial Mall with an inspirational and distinctive cultural facility. This history museum significantly increases the visibility of the institution and the understanding of the rich history of the state. The museum, which closed briefly due to COVID-19, was reopened to the public on July 1, 2020 with COVID restrictions in place.

Designed by HGA, the two-story museum is located on the northwest corner of the Bicentennial Capitol Mall, with views of the historic State Capitol and Nashville skyline. The design engages the public in the history of the State of Tennessee through collections, displays in flexible exhibit spaces, programs in interactive learning spaces, with strict adherence to the highest quality standards for museum facilities that allow the institution to borrow and display a range of works from other international institutions.

The Urban Land Institute, Excellence in Development Awards represents the mission that strong communities, good development partners, and excellence in development and design should be recognized and best practices shared.

Award entries are judged by an out-of-town jury using criteria that support ULI’s commitment and leadership in best practices in the use of land/real estate; demonstrating exemplary examples of design and development, financial viability, and commitment to the community.