The Knoxville Museum of Art sits at the edge of World's Fair Park, in a building designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes with a distinctive pink Tennessee marble facade. The permanent collection focuses on contemporary and modern art, with a particular strength in works by Appalachian and Tennessee artists. The Richard Jolley Cycle of Life gallery, a cathedral-like room filled with Jolley's large-scale glass sculptures, is the standout installation.
Admission is free, which makes it easy to stop in even for an hour. The building itself is worth a look — the interior is bright and the galleries flow well. The museum hosts regular travelling exhibitions and a busy programme of public events.