If you love the idea of living in a city that puts creativity front and center, you’ll feel right at home in Murfreesboro. The arts in Murfreesboro are woven into everyday life, from gallery visits on the downtown square to studio tours and open-air festivals. We always encourage clients to experience these cultural opportunities, whether they’re new to the area or have called Rutherford County home for years.
Key Takeaways
- Experience local theatre, art crawls, and festivals throughout the year.
- Meet artists and find unique works for your home.
- Historic venues and parks are central to the arts scene.
- The arts in Murfreesboro, TN enhance lifestyle and community connection.
Enjoy Live Performances and Visual Art at the Center for the Arts
The Center for the Arts in downtown Murfreesboro is one of our favorite places to recommend for anyone looking to get involved in the local arts scene. This beautifully restored 1909 building is the heart of the city’s creative energy. Here, you’ll find a full calendar of live theatre, musical performances, and rotating art exhibits that bring together neighbors from all around Murfreesboro.
Whether you’re catching a classic musical or viewing a new gallery installation, the Center is a place where the arts in Murfreesboro, TN, truly come alive. Its convenient location near the Public Square means it’s easy to grab dinner before a show or explore local boutiques and coffee shops on foot.
What Makes the Center for the Arts Stand Out
- Professional-quality stage productions for all ages
- Art exhibits featuring local and regional talent
- Accessible classes and workshops for the community
- Historic charm in the heart of downtown
Explore the Boro Art Crawl and Discover Local Creativity
One of the most popular recurring events is the Boro Art Crawl, which happens every other month right in downtown Murfreesboro. We often tell new residents that this is one of the best introductions to the arts in Murfreesboro, TN, because you get to experience so many artists and venues in a single evening. The event is self-guided, so you can move at your own pace and enjoy everything from fine art and handmade jewelry to live music.
As you stroll between galleries, studios, and local businesses, you’ll notice how art becomes part of the city’s daily rhythm. It’s a welcoming, energetic event where it’s easy to meet people, ask questions, and even pick up one-of-a-kind pieces to decorate your new home.
Highlights of the Boro Art Crawl
- Dozens of venues host local artists and artisans
- Wide variety of art forms: painting, pottery, photography, and more
- Family-friendly, walkable, and open to everyone
- Opportunities to purchase original art and support the creative community
Visit the Steve Matthews Gallery at Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center
If you enjoy exploring a city’s history and culture at the same time, the Steve Matthews Gallery is a must-see. This gallery is tucked inside the Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center—a landmark with roots stretching back to the early 1800s. The gallery offers rotating exhibits from both emerging and established artists, giving you a new reason to visit each season.
We love how this space bridges the past and present, showing off what’s special about the arts in Murfreesboro, TN. Because it’s centrally located, it’s easy to combine your gallery visit with other downtown activities, whether you’re out for lunch or shopping on Maple Street.
Why We Recommend the Steve Matthews Gallery
- Regularly updated exhibits by local artists
- Historic setting that adds depth to each visit
- Free admission during museum hours
- Convenient downtown location, close to local shops and restaurants
Take Part in the Rutherford County Art Studio Tour
Every fall, the Rutherford County Art Studio Tour gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process in action. We always encourage clients and friends to participate if they want a deeper connection to the arts in Murfreesboro, TN. This self-guided tour lets you visit working studios in both Murfreesboro and surrounding communities, where artists open their doors to the public for a full weekend.
During the tour, you can watch demonstrations, ask questions, and even purchase art directly from the creator. The range of media is impressive, from woodworking and glass to fiber art and oil painting. It’s also a fantastic way to see parts of the city you might not visit otherwise, including rural properties and historic neighborhoods.
What to Expect from the Studio Tour
- Access to private artist studios not usually open to the public
- Live demonstrations and hands-on learning opportunities
- Wide selection of unique artwork for sale
- Chance to meet the artists and learn about their creative journeys
Experience Outdoor Art and Festivals at Local Parks and Landmarks
Murfreesboro makes the most of its green spaces by hosting outdoor art events and festivals that draw residents from every neighborhood. One of the best-known is Arts in the Park at Stones River National Battlefield, where you’ll find artists, musicians, and food vendors set up against a scenic, historic backdrop. Other public parks, like Barfield Crescent Park, often host seasonal festivals and art installations.
These events are a fantastic way to experience the arts in Murfreesboro, TN, in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. You’ll see how art, music, and local history all come together to create a strong sense of community. Best of all, many of these gatherings are free and open to everyone.
Reasons to Explore Outdoor Arts Events
- Live music, visual arts, and local food in beautiful settings
- Public art installations and pop-up performances
- Opportunities to meet neighbors and make new friends
- Easy access from neighborhoods throughout Murfreesboro
FAQs
What kinds of art can I find in Murfreesboro?
You’ll find live theatre, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and more, all created by talented local artists.
Are there opportunities to buy original art in Murfreesboro?
Yes, most events and galleries offer original work for sale, making it easy to support local artists and personalize your home.
Is the arts scene family-friendly?
Absolutely! Many events, including festivals and art crawls, are designed for all ages and welcome newcomers.
Contact Premier Realty TN Today
When you work with us at Premier Realty TN, you get more than real estate expertise—you get true local insight. We love connecting clients with the arts in Murfreesboro, TN, and showing how culture can add value to your lifestyle and your property search.
If you’re ready to discover neighborhoods that offer easy access to creativity, community, and the best events around, reach out to us at Premier Realty TN. Let’s find you a home that puts you right in the center of everything you love about Murfreesboro.
*Header photo courtesy of Premier Realty TN
