The museum holds over 250,000 artifacts in its archaeological collection, one of the largest in the Southeast.
It was founded in 1963 to house the private collection of UT alumnus Judge John W. Green.
The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
Exhibitions frequently feature specimens from the museum’s extensive malacology collection, which includes thousands of mollusk shells.
The facility serves as a repository for materials recovered from federal and state archaeological projects in Tennessee.
The McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture is located on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus and serves as a major repository for regional archaeological and biological collections. The museum houses extensive permanent galleries detailing the history of Tennessee from its geological origins through the Civil War. A significant portion of the collection focuses on the indigenous peoples of the Southeast, featuring artifacts dating back thousands of years. The permanent exhibit 'Archaeology and the Native Peoples of Tennessee' provides a comprehensive look at prehistoric cultures in the region. Visitors can also explore the 'Human Origins' gallery, which covers the evolutionary history of the human species. The museum is a major center for public education, frequently hosting changing exhibitions that connect local history with broader global narratives. It is housed in a facility that also functions as an active research institution for university faculty and students.
The dramatic, multi-story open interior of the museum's main lobby and the external views of the river from the nearby campus bluffs.
Use the dedicated parking area specifically designated for museum visitors to avoid campus parking permit issues.
Check the museum's online calendar before visiting, as they frequently update temporary exhibitions and host community events.
Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent UT Gardens to see regional flora.
Do not attempt to park in general campus faculty or student lots, as they require specific permits even on weekends.
Closed on major university holidays and typically closed on Mondays.
Maintain a quiet volume; do not touch artifacts or display cases; no food or drink inside the galleries.
