The Music City Children’s Museum (MCCM) and the ownership group of the East Bend announced they are in advanced conversations for the creation of Nashville’s first children’s museum. The potential museum would be located within the East Bend subdistrict; is an upcoming mixed-use development encapsulating 47 acres of riverfront on the East Bank. The East Bend is located at the former scrapyard site.
The group behind the Museum started the process for identifying the need back in 2014 and established the Children’s Museum Development Group non-profit. In 2021, the group changed its name to the Music City Music City Children’s Museum and is now looking at the East Bend for its first location.
“The opportunity to bring a children’s museum to Nashville is closer to reality than ever before thanks to the tireless support of our many donors and volunteers and now, the commitment of the East Bend team,” said Cindy Clinton, President of the MCCM Board of Directors. “Nashville families have expressed a desire for a dedicated children’s museum where kids can learn, explore, and imagine. The East Bend presents an incredible opportunity to finally deliver that experience in a setting designed with families at the center. We are excited about what this means for Nashville’s children and for generations to come.”
“We have said for years, even before we acquired the East Bend site, that Nashville must create a vibrant and attractive downtown neighborhood where families feel welcome and can build lasting memories together,” said David Byerley of the East Bend team. “There is no better way to bring that vision to life than by helping make the city’s first children’s museum a reality. This is a priority for everyone working on the East Bend, and we are thrilled to be working directly with the Music City Children’s Museum to identify a location that will allow this important institution to thrive and serve Nashville’s children and families.”
The MCCM is led by prominent business leaders and community advocates who are deeply committed to the museum’s mission. These leaders believe in the transformative power of early childhood education and the importance of creating a dynamic and inclusive environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. Their collective vision is to ensure MCCM becomes a cornerstone of education and cultural enrichment in Nashville. It could also add to the cultural placemaking along the East Bank joining the planned relocated Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) which is also located along the East Bank riverfront.
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