The beautiful new Frist Learning Center contributes to the elegant Cheekwood experience of tranquil gardens and a glamorous mansion

A beautiful estate in Nashville that promises discovery behind every corner, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens encompasses 55 acres of lovely gardens, priceless art and historic manor rooms groups can enjoy for hours. A comprehensive experience allows groups to tour winding garden trails, admire the brilliant Georgian architecture and explore adjoining dining and shopping facilities. New art exhibitions and garden displays are constantly rotated, so guests can return for a unique experience with each visit.

Groups can also admire beautiful works in the Cheekwood Permanent Collection of Fine Art, which emphasizes early 20th century American paintings and notably displays works by “The Eight.” This group of artists depicted American urbanization and social segregation by using bold brushstrokes to create evocative images. The collection also contains works that represent pop art, modernism and postmodernism, with works by Andy Warhol and Jamie Wyeth on display.

Cheekwood also rotates through several seasonal exhibitions to showcase notable international artists. Coming this spring is Derived from the Decorative:Works by Faig Ahmed, Beth Lipman and Bouke de Vries. This group of artists challenges the concept of traditional decorative arts by breaking and manipulating household items such as plates and glassware to provide a contemporary entry point into the space between fine and decorative art. This dynamic exhibit will be on display at Cheekwood from February through June 2019.

If your group is visiting during the holiday season, participate in the annual Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood. Over one million lights illuminate a mile-long walking path, and visitors can warm themselves by s’more pits or participate in gingerbread house decorating. Coming in January 2019 is Orchids on the Loggia, a seasonal orchid exhibition that will also feature large palms and tropical foliage. Groups can tour the redecorated mansion occupied by Miltoniopsis, Cymbidium and Phalaenopsis species and learn about how the Cheek family decorated their home.

Visitors can also step inside the original stables and tack room and learn about the Cheek family horses before visiting the reimagined Frist Learning Center. After a multi-million-dollar renovation, the center has opened to the public and tour groups. Located in the building that originally served as the Cheek family’s horse stables and garage, the updated center includes refurbished art studios and space for group lessons. The new Garden Gift Shop sells gardening gloves and stationery for aspiring gardeners, while the adjoining Café 29 serves fresh smoothies and baked goods in the refreshed garage space. The name pays homage to the year the Cheek family broke ground on the estate, and the café serves Maxwell House coffee as a tribute to the product that made the Cheeks’ fortune.

Cheekwood’s beautiful grounds and engaging seasonal activities will excite group tours no matter the time of your visit.