Knoxville Museum of Art
The Knoxville Museum of Art opened in March 1990 in a state-of-the-art, 53,200 square-foot facility designed by renowned museum architect Edward Larrabee Barnes. The building, clad in Tennessee marble, is named in honor of local philanthropist Jim Clayton, the largest donor to the building fund. The KMA's collection of approximately 700 objects consists of 20th- and 21st-century works on paper, paintings, mixed media works, sculpture, and fine craft. It continues to grow through gifts from noted artists, galleries, collectors, and foundations, and purchases funded by the Collectors Circle (a museum support group) of important works by artists of regional and national significance.
Since 1990, children, families, and adults from throughout Tennessee and surrounding states have taken advantage of the museum tours, workshops, artist residencies, outreach programs, lectures, concerts, and family activities which form the core of the museum's educational programming. The museum has become a pioneer in innovative collaborations that focus on interpreting changing exhibitions and partnering with other community organizations, East Tennessee colleges, universities and public K-12 schools, and other museums. New iPod audiotours are available for exploring artworks in the collection, and in development are Family Backpacks, fun activities for parents and children to direct viewing and family fun in the galleries. The Exploratory Gallery features artist-designed installations geared to the interests of children and allows participants to interact with works of art and learn about the artistic process through hands-on experiences. The popular Alive After Five concert series and frequent community events attract thousands each year and complement the KMA's visual offerings.
Eastbound on I-40
Take Exit 388 onto Henley Street/441 South; bear right immediately toward Route 62 (Western Avenue/Summit Hill). Follow the signs to the museum: go straight through the first light onto 11th Street; turn left at the first road on the left. This is World's Fair Park Drive. The museum is the first building on the left.
Westbound on I-40
Take Exit 387 (Western Avenue/17th Street) and bear right off the exit onto Ailor Avenue. Follow Ailor through the first light, and then turn right at the stop sign onto Route 62 (Western Avenue). Follow signs to the museum: at the second light turn right onto 11th Street; then turn left at the first road on the left. This is World's Fair Park Drive. The museum is the first building on the left.
Southbound on I-275
At the I-275/I-40 interchange, bear right onto Henley St./441 South. Take right fork toward Route 62 (Western Avenue/Summit Hill). Follow the signs to the museum: go straight through the first light onto 11th street; turn left at the first road on the left. This is World's Fair Park Drive. The museum is the first building on the left.
From 441 (Chapman Highway)
Take 441 North over the Henley Street Bridge. Turn left onto Clinch Avenue downtown. Go one block and turn right onto World's Fair Park Drive. The museum is the second building on the right.
From the UT Campus Area or Kingston Pike
Take Cumberland Avenue east to 11th Street. Turn left at the light onto 11th Street; then turn right onto Clinch Avenue. At the first left turn onto World's Fair Park Drive.
From the Airport
Take Alcoa Highway/Highway 129 towards Knoxville. At I-40, take I-40 East (right). Take Exit 388/Henley Street toward Route 62/Western Avenue/Summit Hill. Following signs to KMA, go straight through the first traffic light onto 11th Street. Take the first left onto World's Fair Park Drive. The museum is the first building on the left.
