McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture

06/12/2026

Did you hear the BIG news? The McClung Museum is celebrating the largest single gift in its history. 🎉

Split evenly between the McClung Museum and Department of Theatre, a more than $2 million estate gift from Florence Fair Johnston and Hendon Russell Johnston Jr. will help fund the development of Tennessee River Journey, a major new permanent exhibition opening in 2032, along with other museum priorities.

The McClung is honored by the Johnstons' generosity and the confidence they placed in the museum. Their support will have a transformational impact on the museum for years to come. Visit the link in the comments to read the full story.

06/12/2026

Visit the McClung Museum. It’s good for you.

Recent research and a growing body of work in public health and psychology suggests museums can function as restorative environments that support psychological well-being.

Findings show museum visits are associated with reduced stress and anxiety, improved mood, and greater feelings of connection and reflection. If you needed an excuse to visit a museum, do it for your health.

06/02/2026

The Creative Suite has a fresh new look thanks to local artist Megan Lingerfelt 🌿

Lingerfelt transformed the museum's education space by adding a vibrant new mural inspired by the incredible biodiversity of East Tennessee's rivers and streams. Filled with native plants and animals, the artwork celebrates the natural beauty of our region while adding a colorful backdrop to one of the museum's creative learning spaces.

See it for yourself when the museum reopens on June 11!

05/30/2026

Reminder: Today marks the first day of University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s steam outage. We can’t wait to welcome visitors back to the museum when we reopen on June 11th!

It’s that time of year again! The museum will be closed May 30–June 10 for the university’s annual steam outage.

This short break allows staff and campus facilities teams to complete important maintenance work and keep the museum running smoothly for visitors year-round. The museum is open through May 30, and we’ll see everyone back on June 11!

05/28/2026

We have an a-maize-ing workshop on the calendar! 🌽

Join us for a special Corn Husk Doll Workshop at the McClung Museum on Saturday, June 13! In this fun, hands-on program, participants will learn traditional corn husk doll-making techniques from Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians artist Laura Walkingstick and create a one-of-a-kind handmade doll to take home.

All materials are provided, and space is limited. Link in the comments!

🎟 Free for museum members with promo code
🎟 $50 for non-members | Registration activates a year-long Individual Membership to the McClung Museum

05/27/2026

It’s that time of year again! The museum will be closed May 30–June 10 for the university’s annual steam outage.

This short break allows staff and campus facilities teams to complete important maintenance work and keep the museum running smoothly for visitors year-round. The museum is open through May 30, and we’ll see everyone back on June 11!

05/25/2026

This helmet reminds us that clothing can serve a purpose far beyond appearance.

In 1916, the US Army began issuing steel helmets to protect troops from head injuries prevalent in WWI trench warfare—a method used by both Central and Allied Powers on the Western Front. This helmet was worn by an American solider while fighting in France. It is now on display for the first time in our exhibition Fashioning Ourselves: The Power of Clothing and Adornment, and speaks to moments when safety, not presentation, determines what we wear.

This Memorial Day, we remember those who served and honor their stories 🇺🇸

05/23/2026

Campus may be going bananas today 🍌 but visiting the museum is still easy!

With the Savannah Bananas at Neyland Stadium tonight, museum visitors can still access our 10 free first come, first served parking spaces directly in front of the museum. Just let parking attendants know you’re visiting the McClung.

05/17/2026

We’re talking about freshwater mussels at Cattywampus Puppet Council’s block party & parade in South Knoxville! Come see us between 2-6 pm!

05/16/2026

Celebrating the McClung’s ! 🧡

Congrats to these McClung Museum grads and all the Vols that crossed the stage this weekend! We can’t wait to see what you do next 🎓