Best Landmarks In Knoxville, Tennessee 37777

Visit the historic Andrew Johnson Building, a high-rise office building in downtown Knoxville. Originally the tallest building in the city, the Andrew Johnson Building dominated the downtown skyline for 50 years from 1928 to 1978. Originally a hotel, the Andrew Johnson is now home to office space for Knox County businesses. There are many attractions in Knoxville to explore, including the city's downtown square and its historic architecture. While a visit to the Andrew Johnson Building is not mandatory, it is well worth it to take in the impressive architecture.

The Tennessee Theatre, a historic movie palace opened in 1928. Famed performers such as the Ziegfeld Follies and the Marx Brothers played here, and it also served as a movie theater during the golden age of cinema. The building still hosts famous performers in country music and other genres. It's also a major landmark in East Tennessee. The First Bank Building, constructed in the mid-20th century, is one of Knoxville's most famous buildings. Its marble floors, Asian textiles, and period furniture have made it a beautiful place to visit.

Visiting the Knoxville Museum of Art is free and provides a unique look at life in Knoxville 100 years ago. While you're there, you can learn about the families who lived there and events like the 1882 Gunfight on Gay Street. The museum also houses the largest glass installation in the world, called Cycle of Life. The exhibits feature works from artists all over Tennessee. Another highlight is the miniature diorama collection. There are many other places to visit in Knoxville.

The Fidelity Building is another landmark in Knoxville. Despite being heavily renovated in the early 1970s, the building still features a grand entrance and beautiful arched ceilings. The interior features marble floors and bronzeplated elevator doors. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is an icon in the city. In addition to the Andrew Johnson Hotel, the Fidelity Building also features the Holston National Bank's headquarters.

For music lovers, the Knoxville Symphony Theater and Knoxville Opera are worth a visit. Both feature a live music scene and regularly host concerts, classic films, and Broadway shows. For history buffs, the East Tennessee History Center is the place to be. Its exhibits have won multiple awards and take you back three centuries. The museum also chronologically tells the history of Tennessee, from its earliest settlements to the present day.

The antebellum period is a fascinating time in the city's history. Despite the fact that it is a southern town, Knoxville grew very slowly through the antebellum period. As part of the Bible Belt, Knoxville was not easily accessible by water, which meant that slaves were unable to live there. The influx of railroads in 1855 resulted in explosive growth and development in the area.