Art
The Cheekwood Collections
The Cheek family collected and carefully displayed a collection comprised of decorative arts, paintings, furniture, textiles, silver and books. Today, The Cheekwood Collections encompass the Cheek family collection and archival materials, as well as paintings, works on paper, sculpture, decorative arts and niche collections amassed since the opening of Cheekwood to the public in 1960. Masterpieces include the largest collection of William Edmondson sculptures, Andy Warhol and Jamie Wyeth’s portraits of each other, fine examples by American impressionists Childe Hassam, John White Alexander and William Merritt Chase, as well as paintings and works on paper by The Eight, an early twentieth-century artist collective in New York City.
William Glackens (American, 1870-1938). Village on the Seine No. 2, 1925. Oil on canvas. Gift of an anonymous donor in honor of the 2004 Collectors Group
Cheekwood is embarking on a project to continue digitizing the permanent collection with support from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Outdoor Sculpture Collection/Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail
Cheekwood offers a unique environment in which to experience outdoor contemporary sculpture. The permanent collection features a diverse range of artworks—many commissioned specifically for the institution—created by regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists from Germany, Spain, the United States, and the United Kingdom, and installed across the institution’s 55-acre estate.
The Carell Trail features a diverse range of sculptures, created by regionally, nationally, and internationally recognized artists. These works, many of which were commissioned for Cheekwood, examine the relationship between art and nature in their own distinct way, creating beautiful, thoughtful dialogues with the surrounding landscape.
Experience the feeling of being guided through a woodland path by our curators and hosts with our 30-minute audio tour. Audio tours are free and available on-site at Visitor Services.
Siah Armajani (American, born Iran, 1939-2020). The Glass Bridge for Nashville, 2003. Glass, steel on concrete foundation. Gift of Mr. & Mrs. Irvin Small. 2003.1.
Rotating Exhibitions
The second floor of the Historic Mansion & Museum not only serves as a gallery for the museum’s permanent collection, but also to rotating exhibitions throughout the year.