Culture & Entertainment

Historical Sites & Museums

• Stones River National Battlefield, operated by the National Park Service, is a major historical attraction. The battlefield is the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War. Living history presentations, encampments, tours, a museum and a national cemetery provide educational enjoyment over the 600-acre site.

• Sam Davis Home and Museum in Smyrna is a state historic site dedicated to the Confederate hero, Sam Davis. Davis was executed for refusing to reveal information to Union forces in exchange for his life. The home is part of the 168-acre farm.

• The Rutherford County Courthouse, built in 1813, is located in Murfreesboro’s Historic Downtown Square and District. The courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is only one of six Pre-Civil War courthouses still in use in Tennessee today.

• Oaklands Historic House Museum is a nationally registered landmark plantation home used by both the Union and Confederate armies. Oaklands was a headquarters for Confederate President Jefferson Davis.

• The Heritage Center allows you to discover the stories of Murfreesboro’s downtown square and the historic Rutherford County Courthouse through exhibits, public programming, and guided tours of the square. 

• Fortress Rosecrans, operated by the National Park Service, is the largest earthen fortification of its kind built during the Civil War.

• Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is an 18,000 square foot hands-on museum and nature center dedicated to inspiring and educating children and strengthening families through creative play.

• Cannonsburgh Village is a reconstructed Southern pioneer village that includes a gristmill, working blacksmith’s shop, general store and museum.

• Bradley Academy was built in 1917 as a school for African Americans. President James K. Polk was a graduate of the original Bradley Academy in 1814. This National Register building serves as a multi-use cultural and heritage facility.

Art Galleries

• The Gallery at Murfreesboro Center for the Arts 

• Frist Center for the Visual Arts (Nashville)

Libraries

Rutherford County has five public libraries that serve the residents of Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne and Eagleville.

For more information on business hours and services provided at any specific location, please click on the library name below.

• Linebaugh Public Library (Murfreesboro)

• Myrtle Glanton Lord Library (Murfreesboro)

• Smyrna Public Library

• La Vergne City Library

• Eagleville Bicentennial Public Library

• James E. Walker Library, on the MTSU campus, also offers services to the public.  Anyone may enter the library building to use the print collections and online resources. Research assistance is also available to anyone at the Reference Desk on the first floor. In addition, alumni of MTSU and residents of Tennessee who are at least 18 years of age and out of high school may apply at the Circulation desk for a borrower card that will allow them to check out a limited number of books.

Movie Theaters

• Carmike Cinemas Wynnsong 16 (Murfreesboro)

• Premier 6 Theater (Murfreesboro)

• Malco Roxy Theater (Smyrna)

Performing Arts

• Lamplighter’s Theatre (Smyrna)

• Murfreesboro Center for the Arts

• The Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra

• The Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra

In addition, Middle Tennessee State University sponsors numerous theatrical and entertainment events; orchestral, ballet and popular music concerts; and guest performers through its Tucker Theatre and Murphy Center.

Rutherford County is also becoming a destination for live musical performances by local and regional bands. A few of the most popular venues include Blue Rooster Bar & Music Hall, Wall Street, The Boro and Bobby McKee’s among many.