Knoxville Museum of Art (The Main Art Museum) - Free
Description: It focuses on the art and culture of East Tennessee and is famous for the "Cycle of Life" glass installation, which is the largest of its kind in the world. The building itself is a stunning work of modern architecture clad in pink Tennessee marble.
Address: 1050 World's Fair Park Dr, Knoxville, TN 37916
Website: LINK
The Emporium Center - Free
Description: This is Knoxville's "Arts Center." It is a beautifully restored historic factory building that now houses multiple galleries and artist studios. You can often wander through and see rotating exhibits from local artists. It feels very much like a contemporary art museum but with a more gritty, historic vibe.
Address: 100 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Website: LINK
Art Market Gallery - Free
Description: This is a juried cooperative gallery, meaning it features the best work from over 60 local artists. While it is technically a "shop," the quality of the paintings, pottery, glass, and jewelry is museum-level. It's a great place to browse even if you aren't buying.
Address: 422 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Website: LINK
Mast General Store - Free
Description: A massive, two-story old-fashioned emporium right on Gay Street. It is super awesome because it feels like stepping back in time with creaky wooden floors, huge barrels of candy you can scoop yourself, and unique gifts. It connects directly to the street and is a fun, low-stress stop.
Address: 402 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Website: LINK
Charles Krutch Park (Art Walk) - Free
Description: A lovely, small park that connects Gay Street to Market Square. It is awesome because it features walking paths that wind through sculpture gardens, waterfalls, and ponds. It's a perfect short "nature break" in the middle of the city.
Address: 04 Market St, Knoxville, TN 37902 (Entrances on Gay St and Market St)
Website: LINK
Strong Alley "Graffiti Alley" - Free
Description: A hidden gem located in the alleyway between Market Square and Gay Street (behind the shops). It is super awesome because the brick walls are covered in colorful, professionally commissioned murals that change frequently—including a famous portrait of Dolly Parton! It’s a fantastic spot for family photos and a quick, gritty contrast to the polished Market Square.
Address: 32 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902 (Accessible from Union Ave or Wall Ave, between Gay St. and Market Square)
Website: LINK
East Tennessee History Center - Paid
Description: Located right on Gay Street, this is one of the best regional history museums in the country. It is super awesome because it has the "Voices of the Land" exhibit which includes Civil War artifacts, country music history (Dolly Parton items!), and a streetscape of 1900s Knoxville. Fully accessible.
Address: 601 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Website: LINK
Tennessee Theatre (Tours or Photo Op) - Paid
Description: The "Official State Theatre of Tennessee" is a stunning 1928 movie palace right on Gay Street. It is awesome because the Spanish-Moorish interior is breathtakingly beautiful. Check their schedule for tours, but even if you can't tour, stepping into the lobby (if open) or taking a photo under the famous vertical marquee is a must.
Address: 604 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Website: LINK
James White's Fort - Paid
Description: Located just a few blocks from Gay Street (an easy walk), this is the birthplace of Knoxville (1786). It is awesome because you can walk through the original log structures, see blacksmith demonstrations, and learn how the frontier was settled.
Address: 205 E Hill Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
Website: LINK
On Gay Street
Mast General Store: (Mentioned before, but worth repeating!) It is the anchor of downtown shopping. Two floors of old-fashioned candy, toys, outdoor gear, and southern gifts.
The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain: Located right on Gay Street, this is a working pharmacy but also an authentic, retro soda fountain. They have a small gift section with unique, vintage-inspired items, but the real draw is grabbing a massive ice cream sundae or milkshake in a setting that feels like 1940.
Kilwins: A classic sweet shop with hand-paddled fudge, caramel apples, and chocolates. You can often smell it from the sidewalk!
Art Market Gallery: (Mentioned earlier) A great place to buy high-quality, locally made art, jewelry, and pottery.
Knoxville Visitors Center: Believe it or not, their gift shop is excellent. It’s full of "Knoxville" themed apparel, local maker goods, and items celebrating the region's music history.
On Union Ave (Just around the corner from Gay St & Market Sq)
Union Ave Books: A beloved independent bookstore. It’s cozy, smells like books, and has a fantastic selection of regional titles and gifts for book lovers.
Nothing Too Fancy: A local boutique famous for its super-soft, vintage-style t-shirts printed with Knoxville and Tennessee themes. A great place for a non-tacky souvenir.
Tree & Vine: A specialty shop for olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and fine wines. They often have tastings!
On Market Square
Earth to Old City: A unique gift shop with a little bit of everything—jewelry, home decor, quirky gifts, and accessories.
Fizz: A fun, colorful boutique with trendy jewelry and clothes.
Rocket Fizz: It’s huge, colorful, and very "fun" rather than just a standard chocolate shop. It is a great place for the whole family to wander around for 20-30 minutes just looking at the funny soda labels and finding candies from different decades.