CHEEKWOOD

Overview of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, located near Franklin, TN, USA, is a 55-acre botanical garden and art museum offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural enrichment. Established in 1960, the estate was originally the home of Leslie and Mabel Cheek, built in 1929. It has since become a public space that showcases world-class art exhibitions, meticulously curated gardens, and a historic mansion.

Botanical Gardens and Arboretum

The estate features 13 distinct gardens, each with its own unique charm. Notable among these are the Blevins Japanese Garden, which provides a serene and meditative experience, and the Bracken Foundation Children's Garden, offering interactive educational opportunities for younger visitors. The gardens host over 130 species of trees and shrubs, including a nationally accredited Cornus Collection™ and native southeastern U.S. trees. A 1.5-mile woodland trail winds through the property, featuring monumental outdoor sculptures enhancing the natural landscape.

Art Museum

The art museum houses a comprehensive collection of American art, spanning from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. It includes over 600 paintings and 5,000 prints, drawings, and photographs. Highlights include works by The Eight, the world's largest collection of sculptures by William Edmondson, and photographs by Louise Dahl-Wolfe. The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions for a dynamic cultural experience.

Historic Mansion

The 30,000-square-foot mansion stands as a testament to the estate's rich history. It features period rooms and galleries that provide insights into the architectural and cultural heritage of the early 20th century. The mansion's design is inspired by grand English manors of the 18th century, reflecting the Cheeks' vision for their family home.

Events and Festivals

Cheekwood hosts numerous seasonal festivals and events year-round, including:

• "Cheekwood in Bloom" in spring
• "Cheekwood Harvest" in fall
• "Holiday LIGHTS" in winter

These feature seasonal displays, live music, and family-friendly activities, making Cheekwood a year-round destination for visitors of all ages.

Visitor Information

Cheekwood is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM and closed on select holidays. Admission varies by program and day, with special rates for members and children under 2.

The estate is located at 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Franklin, TN, USA, approximately 8 miles southwest of downtown Nashville.