Belmont Mansion

Acklen Avenue & Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212

The Belmont Mansion, originally named Belle Monte, was built as a summer house for Joseph Alexander Acklen and his wife, Adelicia. The moving force behind the design and beauty of the italian villa style estate originated in Adelicia Acklen, who surrounded the family with luxury and italian splendor. The estate originally included 180-acres and contained an art gallery, beautiful gardens, a water tower, conservatory, and even a zoo, which was opened to the public by Adelicia. Construction of the home ended in 1853, but was again remodeled in 1859, in which more rooms were added to the original structure. In addition to the internal and external beauty of the antebellum house, the Belmont Mansion played an important historical role in 1864, when the IV Corps of the Union army under General Thomas J. Wood occupied the estate grounds before the Battle of Nashville. In 1887, after Joseph Acklen’s death and her remarriage, Adelicia sold her beloved creation and moved to Washington D.C. The mansion was later converted into a girls academy which eventually became Belmont University in 1951.

Attractions within the mansion include the Venetian glass, paintings and statuary, and elaborate historical luxury in every room, which has been restored by the Belmont Mansion Association.

Tours of the house are guided and require tickets that can be purchased  here. There are also special tours offered that give visitors a more in-depth experiences on specific topics such as Adelicia’s art collection or the role of Belmont Mansion in the Battle of Nashville. Visitors are free to tour the gardens and the surrounding grounds free of charge.