Best Museums in Gatlinburg

"Hollywood Wax Museum Pigeon Forge, which opened in 2012, is both the nation’s largest wax museum and only wax museum focused exclusively on celebrities. It’s your chance to pose for photos with movie stars and pop culture icons like Johnny Cash, Will Smith, Julia Roberts, Johnny Depp, Bradley Cooper, Anne Hathaway, Brad Pitt, and others. Displays include a reinterpretation of Mount Rushmore with the faces of legends John Wayne, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, and Charlie Chaplin."

"106 Showplace Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 |Read Full Review. If you’re a celebrity guru or film fanatic who’s always dreamed of meeting that one actor, your wish just might come true at the Hollywood Wax Museum. Snuggled between Pigeon Forge’s Castle of Chaos and Maze of Mirrors, the nation’s largest Hollywood wax museum features hundreds of stunningly lifelike sculptures that make you doubt they are made only of wax."

"Amazing pictures and unforgettable memories are the names of the game inside the Hollywood Wax Museum!. This 2-story building features replicas of film, television, and music celebrities. It is also open year round and conveniently located right off the Pigeon Forge Parkway."

"The Knoxville Museum of Art has been in operation for 25 years and has the mission statement of celebrating and promoting art from the Tennessee area. The building is a work of art itself as it is made of marble mined in Tennessee, and it also has the claim to fame of having the largest glass installation in the world called the Cycle of Life. You can find the work of artists from all over the state of Tennessee here as well as pieces by up and coming talent from the region."

"The Knoxville Museum of Art, designed by American architect Edward Larrabee Barnes, offers tours, workshops, outreach programs, artist residencies and more. In addition to its permanent exhibits, it hosts a range of temporary exhibitions from a wide variety of artists. In 2014, the museum unveiled a monumental glass installation – the largest figural glass installation in the world – by Knoxville artist Richard Jolley."

"For 25 years, the Knoxville Museum of Art has done its best to promote local art from the state, focusing on Southern Appalachian culture and artists from the region. With no admission cost, it’s among the free things to do in Knoxville that is a great way to occupy yourself this weekend. The Museum of Art is housed in a beautiful building made from state-mined marble, racking up a $6 million renovation bill."

"Another one of the unique museums in Gatlinburg is the Guinness World Records Adventure, where you can see the pages of the famous book come to life!. You are sure to be entertained and mesmerized by the authentic memorabilia, unbelievable exhibits, and themed galleries!. There are also 20 interactive games and challenges for you to play including Block Breaker, Quick Draw, Lumberjack Tree Hack, and Frisbee Toss."

"See the amazing book come to life right before your eyes when you visit Guinness World Records Adventure!. Inside, you’ll find unbelievable exhibits, authentic memorabilia, intriguing displays, and themed galleries. You can test your skills and even attempt to break a world record in the new Largest Interactive Challenge Gallery!"

"Explore the timeless faces of Southern Appalachian mountain folk and the rural farmers in the pencil and paint artwork at the Paul Murray Gallery!. This art gallery is located on Gatlinburg’s historic 8-mile loop road and is one of the highlights of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Artist Paul Murray records the timeless faces of the pioneer lifestyle, and he has several art collections available, including the Appalachia Series, Mirrored Souls Collection, the Ouellette Series and The Last of the Legend Series."

"The Paul Murray Studio & Gallery displays the work of one of Gatlinburg’s most accomplished artists. After dropping out of school at age 13, Paul Murray became a professional painter and sketch artist. Murray’s work focuses on the rural residents of the Appalachian mountains."

"Showcasing the talents of fourth- and fifth-generation woodworkers and carvers, the Wood Whittlers is the oldest continuously running craft studio in Gatlinburg, having been established by Shirl Compton back in 1944."

"If you are looking for the perfect photograph to bring home that captures the magic of the Great Smoky Mountains, look no further than William Britten Photography!. The images at this gallery express the heart and soul of the Smokies throughout the different seasons of the year. Whether you want a photograph that depicts the stunning fall foliage or a winter scene of snow covered peaks, you can find it at William Britten Photography in the Morning Mist Village shopping area!"

"Browse an inspirational collection of handcrafted artwork at the Love Life Live Life gallery in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community!. This beautiful studio is owned by talented artist Kimberly Bylo, who creates all types of stunning pendants and earrings. Whether you are looking for a personal souvenir or a gift for a loved one, you won’t find fused glass jewelry like this anywhere else in the Smokies!"

"The Little House of Pancakes in Gatlinburg has a delicious breakfast menu that not only includes pancakes, but has waffles and omelette too!. Don’t skip over them at lunchtime, though. Their hamburgers and salads can really hit the spot."

"They use 20 ounces of buttermilk batter used to make a foot-wide All You Can Eat flapjack that’ll put your breakfast hunger to the test. Plus, it’s only $7.95. That’s a price you can’t beat!"

"The pecan Belgian waffles are so good/ fresh and not too sweet!!. Coffee was great, and the service... (865) 436-8784Order online"

"This is the perfect place to stop in Pigeon Forge for some genuine Southern shopping. Items in the shop range from cute clothes that will remind you of your time here in the Smokies to delicious, locally made fudge and treats to enjoy right there on the spot. Did we mention a chance to meet four live bears that were rescued and are being taken care of by talented staff right on the premises?"

"The ultimate shopping destination in Pigeon Forge, TN. We have it all: ice cream, candy, clothes, jewelry, and much more!. Established in 1979 Three Bears General Store is a true Pigeon Forge destination. Located at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Pa… [+ More]"