To select a museum, click “Details/Reserve”, then select which Pass to reserve.
Blount Mansion
200 West Hill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902
865-525-2375 https://www.blountmansion.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Opened in 1926, Blount Mansion, a National Historic Landmark, is Knoxville's oldest operating museum. Once a home to U. S. Constitution signer William Blount, much of the Tennessee Constitution was drafted there. The frame and clapboard house, with its shingled, gabled roof, would have been unusual when it was built in 1792. The mansion contains many period artifacts and furnishings, including some personal correspondence. Adjacent to the Mansion is another historic home—the Craighead-Jackson House, a three-story brick Federalist structure built around 1818. The buildings are surrounded by the only public garden in downtown Knoxville, its design based on styles prevalent in 18th century. Check the website for tour details.
Categories: Architecture, Family, History
Pass Benefits
Free admission for up to two (2) adults and four (4) children.
Please bring your printed or downloaded pass, and photo ID to redeem your pass.
Clarence Brown Theatre
1714 Andy Holt Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916
865-974-5161 https://www.clarencebrowntheatre.com/
[Details/Reserve]
Named after Greta Garbo's favorite director, the Clarence Brown Theatre for the Performing Arts was built in 1970. Located on the campus of University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the 574-seat proscenium performance venue presents professional regional theater productions that often involve students from the university studying to be actors.
Pass Benefits
This voucher provides free child admission with the purchase of an adult ticket to a Mainstage Production at the Clarence Brown Theatre. Limit 3 children per one paying adult. Must be in kindergarten through grade 12. Please consult grade level recommendations for each show. Adult tickets may be purchased at 10% off with the Explorer Pass. Some restrictions apply.
Library cardholders may make up to one reservation per Clarence Brown Theatre production; subject to availability. (Must contact box office in advance of performance date to redeem ticket; please see Loan Instructions for details.)
2023-2024 Schedule:
Murder on the Orient Express
Wax your mustache and hop on board the Orient Express for a ride you won’t soon forget! A snowdrift has halted the train in its tracks…with a killer on board. Over the next 48 hours, Hercule Poirot must find the villain before he or she strikes again. Back by popular demand!
Passes available beginning August 15, 2023
Sunday, September 10 at 2:00pm
Wednesday, September 13 - Saturday, September 16 at 7:30pm
A Christmas Carol (recommended for age 4 and older)
Friday, December 1 at 7:30pm
Saturday, December 2 at 7:30pm
Sunday, December 3 at 2:00pm
Tuesday, December 5 at 6:30pm
Wednesday, December 6 - Saturday, December 9 at 7:30pm
The Giver (contains mature themes)
Jonas’ world is perfect. It’s safe. Controlled. Without war or pain. Without color. Where every person is assigned a role in the community. At age 12, he’s chosen to be keeper of the community’s memories from The Giver, the only person with memories of real pain and joy. As Jonas begins to experience these memories, he is faced with a decision: conform to society’s expectations or control his own destiny.
Sunday, February 18 at 2:00pm
Wednesday, February 21 - Saturday, February 24 at 7:30pm
Kinky Boots (recommended for mature audiences)
Looking to save the family shoe business, Charlie turns to his new friend Lola ― a cabaret performer ― who gives him an outrageous idea that could change both of their destinies. Soon, this unlikely duo creates the most sensational footwear that’s ever rocked the runways of Milan… giving the factory and its hard-working family a sparkling new future.
Sunday, April 21 at 2:00pm
Wednesday, April 24 - Saturday, April 27 at 7:30pm
Visit clarencebrowntheatre.com for additional performance information.
Historic Ramsey House
2614 Thorngrove Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914
865-546-0745 http://www.ramseyhouse.org/
[Details/Reserve]
The Ramsey House was built in 1797 for the family of Francis A. Ramsey, one of the first to settle Knoxville. The two-story structure, constructed of Tennessee pink marble and blue limestone, has been restored and furnished to the period of Ramsey's occupancy (1797-1820). The building is significant for its original interior and exterior architectural features, decorative art collection, and period furnishings. Exhibits in the Visitor's Center include a collection of handmade dolls in Ramsey period dress, farming utensils, and archaeological finds from the property. The site, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, consists of 101.5 acres. Visits are by tour. Check the website for details.
Categories: Architecture, Family, History
Pass Benefits
Pass provides admission for one guest for a guided tour of the Historic Ramsey House on Thursdays. Library patrons may check this pass out up to two (2) times per month.
Please bring the printed or downloaded pass to redeem your pass.
Historic Westwood
3425 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
865-523-8008 https://www.knoxheritage.org/westwood/
[Details/Reserve]
Westwood is the historic home, studio, and gallery of artist Adelia Armstrong Lutz. Visits are by tour of the Queen Anne style house, with its collection of work by local artists, frescoes by Lutz and a fellow artist, slag lamps, period furnishings and family memorabilia. Among the important architectural features is the artist's large studio with its fireplace, a cathedral ceiling and skylights in which the artist often hosted the Nicholson Art League as one of the founding members. Check the website for tour details.
Categories: Architecture, Family, History
Pass Benefits
Each pass is redeemable for one (1) admission. Patrons may check this pass out up to two (2) times per month.
Please bring the printed pass to redeem your pass.
Knoxville Children's Theatre
109 East Churchwell Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917
865-208-3677 https://www.knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com/
[Details/Reserve]
The Knoxville Children's Theatre is a theatre company in Knoxville, TN, producing professional plays for children, with children as the actors. The plays, which change almost every month, tend to be adaptions of familiar stories.
Categories: Children, Family, Music, Dance, Theatre
Pass Benefits
This voucher provides free child admission with the purchase of an adult ticket to a Knoxville Children's Theater production. Limit 3 children per one paying adult. Must be in kindergarten through grade 12. Please consult grade level recommendations for each show. Excludes musicals. Some restrictions apply.
Library cardholders may make up to one reservation per Knoxville Children's Theater production; subject to availability. (Must contact box office in advance of performance date to redeem ticket; please see Loan Instructions for details.)
Little Women
Saturday, May 4, 1:00 PM
Saturday, May 4, 5:00 PM
Thursday, May 9, 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 11, 1:00 PM
Saturday, May 11, 5:00 PM
Thursday, May 16, 7:00 PM
Saturday, May 18, 1:00 PM
Saturday, May 18, 5:00 PM
Founded in 1978, Knoxville Opera puts on professional productions of classic and new operas at various venues in the area, such as the Tennessee Theatre, the Bijou Theatre, and the Civic Auditorium.
Pass Benefits
The Explorer Pass provides one ticket free with the purchase of one adult ticket at a regular price.
Library cardholders may make up to one reservation per Knoxville Opera production; subject to availability. (Must contact box office by the Wednesday before the event to redeem ticket (M-F, 9:00am - 5:30pm); please see Loan instructions for details.)
2023-2024 Schedule:
Falstaff
Friday, October 13, 2023 at 7:30 pm (Tennessee Theatre)
Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 2:30 pm (Tennessee Theatre)
La Traviata
Friday, February 16, 2024 at 7:30 pm (Tennessee Theatre)
Sunday, February 18, 2024 at 2:30 pm (Tennessee Theatre)
Cendrillon
Friday, May 3, 2024 at 7:30 pm (Bijou Theatre)
Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 7:30 pm (Bijou Theatre
Sunday, May 5, 2024 at 7:30 pm (Bijou Theatre)
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
Knoxville, TN
865-291-3310 https://www.knoxvillesymphony.com/
[Details/Reserve]
Established in 1935, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra is the oldest continuously operating orchestra in the southeastern United States. Their regular schedule finds them giving concerts in various locations around their home city of Knoxville, TN. Like many orchestras, their repertoire ranges from classical music in its many forms to orchestral pop.
Pass Benefits
This voucher provides free child admission with the purchase of an adult ticket to a KSO Moxley Carmichael Masterworks or Chamber Classics Series concert. Limit 3 children per one paying adult. Must be in kindergarten through grade 12. Some restrictions apply.
Cardholders may make up to one reservation per KSO performance; subject to availability. (Must contact box office to redeem ticket; please see Loan Instructions for details.)
2023-2024 Schedule:
Sept. 17, 2023 at 2:30 pm: William Shaub Plays Mozart (Bijou Theatre)
Sept. 21-22, 2023 at 7:30 pm: Pictures at an Exhibition (Tennessee Theatre)
Oct. 19-20, 2023 at 7:30 pm: Beethoven's "Pastoral" (Tennessee Theatre)
Nov. 16-17, 2023 at 7:30 pm: Bax Plays Rachmaninoff (Tennessee Theatre)
Jan. 21, 2024 at 2:30 pm: Schubert Death and the Maiden (Bijou Theatre)
Feb. 22-23, 2024 at 7:30 pm: Beethoven Violin Concerto (Tennessee Theatre)
March 14-15, 2024 at 7:30 pm: Dvorak & Tchaikovsky (Tennessee Theatre)
April 14, 2024 at 2:30 pm: Mozart's Jupiter & The Golden Record (Bijou Theatre)
April 18-19, 2024 at 7:30 pm: The Planets (Tennessee Theatre)
May 16-17, 2024 at 7:30 pm: Verdi Requiem (Tennessee Theatre)
Check the KSO's Calendar for additional performance information.
Mabry Hazen House
1711 Dandridge Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37915
865-522-8661 http://www.mabryhazen.com/
[Details/Reserve]
The Mabry-Hazen House Museum, located in an Italianate and Greek Revival-style home built in 1858 overlooking downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, and the Great Smoky Mountains, houses one of the largest original family collections in America—three generations—with over 2,000 original artifacts on display. Located just down the road, but connected to the museum, is Bethel Cemetery, the final resting place of approximately 1,600 Confederate soldiers—a small museum details the history of it as it pertains to the Civil War in Knoxville. Visits to the Mabry-Hazen House Museum are by tour. Consult the museum website for details.
Categories: Architecture, Family, History
Pass Benefits
This pass provides free admission for 2 adults and up to 2 students (high-school or college). Children under 13 are free. Passes will be available Monday - Thursday.
Pass is valid only for the date selected. Not valid for after-hours or special events. Patrons may check this pass out up to two (2) times per year. Please note: Mabry-Hazen House is closed for daily guided tours from December 15, 2023 until March 1, 2024.
The Muse
516 North Beaman Street, Knoxville, TN 37914
865-594-1494 https://www.themuseknoxville.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Muse Knoxville is a museum for children of all ages, with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Almost 4,000 sq. ft. of exhibit and play space—both outdoors and indoors—include Knoxville's only public access planetarium and areas dedicated to certain themes, such as “Make Space,” “Science Garden,” “STEM Station,” “Music Garden,” “A-Mazing Airways,” “LIVE SMART: Stay Well!,” “U.S.S. Muse,” and others, allowing for a wealth of hands-on experiences.
Categories: Children, Family, Science
Pass Benefits
One child admission FREE with an adult general admission ticket purchase. Patrons may check this pass out up to two (2) times per month.
Please bring a printed or downloaded pass and a photo ID to redeem your pass.
Museum of Appalachia
2819 Andersonville Highway, Knoxville, TN 37716
865-494-7680 https://www.museumofappalachia.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Founded in 1969, the Museum of Appalachia looks at the history of the region through the portrayal of an authentic mountain farm and pioneer village, with historic log structures, exhibit buildings filled with authentic Appalachian artifacts, multiple gardens, and free-range farm animals. Their holdings of over 250,000 objects include folk art, musical instruments, baskets, quilts, and Native American artifacts, among other things. Buildings of note on the museum grounds include a log cabin believed to have belonged to the parents of author Mark Twain. There is a gift shop and a restaurant on the premises, the latter with a menu informed by the theme of the museum. Check their website for special events.
Categories: Architecture, Children, Family, History
Pass Benefits
Free family admission (2 adults + immediate children) on Wednesdays.
Please bring the printed pass and photo ID to redeem your pass. Contact the Library at 865-215-8700 with questions.
Museum of East Tennessee History
601 South Gay Street , Knoxville, TN 37902
865-215-8830 https://www.easttnhistory.org/museum-east-tennessee-history
[Details/Reserve]
Located in Knoxville, the Museum of East Tennessee History focuses on the history and culture of the 35 counties that make up the eastern part of the state. Its permanent collection contains more than 13,000 artifacts representing over three centuries of life in the region, presented in both permanent and changing exhibitions. The museum's collection is especially strong in three areas: decorative arts (notably furniture and paintings), textiles (especially quilts), and Civil War items—both from Union and Confederate armies—that make clear the “divided loyalties” so predominate in the region.
Pass Benefits
This pass will allow two free adult admissions Monday through Wednesday. Children 16 and younger are free. Patrons may check this pass out up to two (2) times per month.
Please bring a printed or downloaded pass to redeem your pass.
Sunsphere
810 Clinch Avenue, Floor 4, Knoxville, TN 37902
865-314-0660 https://www.visitknoxville.com/listing/sunsphere/567/
[Details/Reserve]
Built for the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, the 26-story Sunsphere is a one-of-a-kind structure. The Observation Deck on the 4th floor delivers a 360-degree view that stretches from downtown to the Great Smoky Mountains including World's Fair Park, the Tennessee River, and the University of Tennessee Campus.
Categories: Architecture, Family, Parks, Recreation
Pass Benefits
Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, the Sunsphere is a one-of-a-kind structure. The 4th Floor Observation Deck offers a breathtaking 360-degree view stretching from downtown to the Great Smoky Mountains including World’s Fair Park, the Tennessee River and the University of Tennessee Campus. A 1982 World’s Fair timeline, gallery, memorabilia and gift shop await you! The Explorer Pass provides 1/2 off Adult Admission for the Sunsphere.
Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
700 Hall of Fame Drive, Knoxville, TN 37915
865-633-9000 https://www.wbhof.com/
[Details/Reserve]
The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving the history of the sport as played by women. Located in a 35,000 square foot facility in Knoxville, TN, exhibits highlight exceptional players and is home to the world's largest basketball. Visitors may test their skills on three different courts, a dribbling course, and a passing skills area.
Pass Benefits
Free admission for a family of four (4) to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame during business hours. Self-guided tour, scavenger hunt and free play in our basketball area. Patrons may check this pass out up to two (2) times per month.
Please bring a printed or downloaded pass and your library card to redeem your pass.
Zoo Knoxville
3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914
865-637-5331 https://www.zooknoxville.org/
[Details/Reserve]
Zoo Knoxville is home to about 800 animals in outdoor habitats and indoor exhibits, with a classic lineup that includes elephants, lions, giraffes, chimpanzees, zebras, tigers, gorillas, and bears, among other animals. On the zoo's 53 acres, visitors may encounter a multi-level tree house, a swinging suspension bridge, a train around the koi pond, and areas specially aimed at younger children, like the hands-on Clayton Family Kids Cove and the indoor Pilot Flying J Wee Play Adventure area that provides encounters with reptiles. There are restaurants and a gift shop on the premises.
Pass Benefits
Good for general daytime admission and free parking for 2 adults and up to 6 children to Zoo Knoxville. Pass is valid only for the date selected. Not valid for after-hours special events. Patrons may check this pass out one time per year. Please limit your reservation to 1 per household, per date.
Please bring a printed or downloaded pass and a photo ID to redeem your pass. Contact the Library at 865-215-8700 with questions.
Zoo Knoxville Explorer Passes are underwritten by Advance Financial Foundation.