
Hatch Show Print
A legendary Nashville print shop since 1879, preserving letterpress art and creating iconic music posters.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, see studio in action

Hatch Show Print
Best Time
Fewer crowds, see studio in action

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Nashville print shop since 1879, preserving letterpress art and creating iconic music posters.
"The tour is a fascinating glimpse into a unique industry that has preserved the art of printmaking for over a hundred years."

🎯 Book tours ahead of time
Popular tours sell out fast! Book online to secure your spot and avoid missing out on this historic experience.
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll be on your feet for the tour, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the print shop.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Letterpress Tour
Step back in time and witness the magic of 19th-century printmaking. Learn about iconic posters and print your own souvenir!

Iconic Music Posters
Marvel at the vibrant, hand-carved woodblock prints that have promoted legends like Elvis, Dolly Parton, and Johnny Cash.

Print Your Own Souvenir
Get hands-on and create your own unique letterpress print to take home as a memorable keepsake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the Hands-On Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book tours ahead of time
Popular tours sell out fast! Book online to secure your spot and avoid missing out on this historic experience.
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll be on your feet for the tour, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the print shop.
🖨️ Get hands-on with printing
The tour includes printing your own souvenir poster – a fun, memorable takeaway!
🎶 Appreciate music history
Learn about the iconic artists and events promoted by Hatch Show Print's legendary posters.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book tours ahead of time
Popular tours sell out fast! Book online to secure your spot and avoid missing out on this historic experience.
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll be on your feet for the tour, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the print shop.
🖨️ Get hands-on with printing
The tour includes printing your own souvenir poster – a fun, memorable takeaway!
🎶 Appreciate music history
Learn about the iconic artists and events promoted by Hatch Show Print's legendary posters.
🛍️ Shop for unique souvenirs
Beyond posters, find other cool prints and merchandise in their store.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hatch Show Print for its fascinating history, engaging tours, and the unique hands-on experience of printing their own souvenir. The shop's legacy in music promotion and the artistry of letterpress printing are major highlights. Some find the machine operation area loud, but the overall experience is highly recommended.
"This was such an interesting tour. The prints are so cool and learning about the history and how they are and have historically been made was great. The second part of the tour looking at the machines was unfortunately very loud, so we didn’t get to hear a lot of the information. It was so fun making our own prints!!!!"
Peggy Crane
"The Hatch Print Show tour is an absolute must! It’s such a fascinating glimpse into a unique industry that has preserved the art of printmaking for over a hundred years. What really impressed me is their commitment to handcrafting everything without relying on computers – it’s all done the old-fashioned way, and the results are stunning. The tour itself is super fun, informative, and gives you a real appreciation for the artistry behind every piece. Highly recommend for anyone interested in history, art, or just a great experience!"
Paul Chen
"The highlight of my time in Nashville! Took the guided tour which lasted about an hour. The guide was so funny and knowledgeable. They walked us thru the history and current process while answering the groups questions. Note that the design studio is only operational during the week. That said, you still get to pop in and see where the magic happens on weekends. The shop had some awesome goodies as well. If you’re into graphic design, art, advertising, or music, don’t miss Hatch!"
Alexis Powell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hatch Show Print is conveniently located within the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown Nashville. You can easily reach it by car, public transport, or ride-sharing services. Parking is available at the museum's garage.
Yes, downtown Nashville has several bus routes that stop near the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, making Hatch Show Print accessible via public transit. Check the local transit authority's schedule for routes and times.
The most convenient parking is in the garage attached to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. There are also several other public parking garages and street parking options in the surrounding downtown area.
Absolutely! Hatch Show Print is centrally located downtown, making it a pleasant walk from many other attractions like the Ryman Auditorium, Bridgestone Arena, and the Johnny Cash Museum.
Yes, Hatch Show Print is located within the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. While it has its own entrance and tours, it's integrated into the museum complex.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices can vary, but they are generally around $22 per person. It's always best to check their official website for the most current pricing and to book your tickets in advance.
Yes, booking your tour tickets in advance is highly recommended, as tours often sell out, especially during peak tourist seasons. You can book directly through their website.
A tour ticket typically includes a guided experience of the historic print shop, learning about its history and the letterpress process, and the opportunity to print your own souvenir poster.
Hatch Show Print is generally open daily, but tour times vary. The design studio is typically operational on weekdays. Check their official website for the most up-to-date hours and tour schedules.
While tours are the primary way to experience the print shop's history and process, you can often visit the retail store area without a tour ticket to browse and purchase prints. However, to see the full operation and participate in printing, a tour is necessary.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
Expect an engaging, hour-long guided tour that delves into the history of letterpress printing and Hatch Show Print's legacy. You'll see vintage machines, learn about iconic artists, and get to print your own poster.
The part of the tour that involves seeing the machines in operation can be quite loud, which might make it difficult to hear the guide. Ear protection might be helpful for sensitive individuals, though it's usually manageable for the duration.
The design studio is typically operational during weekdays. If you visit on a weekend, you might not see active printing in the studio, but you'll still get to see the historic machines and learn about the process.
You can purchase a wide variety of iconic Hatch Show Print posters, including those for musicians, festivals, and local events. They also offer other merchandise like stationery, books, and apparel.
The guided tours at Hatch Show Print typically last about an hour, providing a comprehensive yet concise look into the history and craft of letterpress printing.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Hatch Show Print itself does not have a restaurant or cafe. However, being located within the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, there are dining options available within the museum complex and numerous restaurants nearby in downtown Nashville.
Generally, it's best to consume food and drinks outside of the exhibit and tour areas to preserve the historic nature of the print shop. There are usually designated areas within the museum for eating.
Downtown Nashville offers a plethora of dining options. You'll find everything from casual eateries to upscale restaurants within walking distance, catering to all tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most areas of Hatch Show Print, especially in the retail store and during the tour. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography that could disrupt the experience or damage delicate materials.
The most photogenic spots include the walls adorned with iconic posters, the vintage printing presses, and of course, your own printed souvenir. The colorful and historic nature of the shop provides many great photo opportunities.
Yes, you can typically take photos of the printing process during the tour, but be aware that the machines can be loud and the area might be busy. Focus on capturing the essence of the craft.
Commercial photography or videography usually requires prior permission. If you plan to use photos for commercial purposes, it's best to contact Hatch Show Print directly to inquire about their policies and potential fees.
Visitors often capture photos of the historic posters, the intricate details of the letterpress machines, themselves printing their souvenir, and the overall vintage atmosphere of the shop.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical information is rich, the visual aspect of the posters and the tactile nature of printing will likely hold younger visitors' attention. The tour duration of about an hour is also manageable for most children. Consider booking a weekday morning tour for potentially fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience for the whole family.
🎨 Art & Design Enthusiasts
The tour provides deep insights into the design process, from hand-carved blocks to the final inked impression. You'll gain an appreciation for the artistry involved in creating these timeless pieces. The opportunity to purchase unique prints and learn about the historical context of each design makes this a truly enriching experience for art lovers.
🎶 Music Lovers
You'll see firsthand how these legendary concert posters were created using traditional methods. It's a chance to connect with the music you love on a deeper, visual level. The shop also offers a fantastic selection of music-themed prints for sale, allowing you to take a piece of Music City's history home with you.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Letterpress Printing
During the tour, you'll witness this process firsthand. You'll see the vintage printing presses in action, marvel at the skill required to set the type, and understand why this method has been cherished for so long. The resulting prints have a depth and texture that digital methods simply cannot replicate, making them highly sought after by collectors and music enthusiasts alike.
The durability and aesthetic appeal of letterpress prints have made them the go-to for promoting concerts, festivals, and events for decades. Hatch Show Print's dedication to preserving this craft ensures that this rich artistic tradition continues to thrive, offering visitors a tangible connection to the past and a beautiful piece of art to take home.
A Legacy in Music Promotion
The distinctive style of Hatch Show Print posters, often featuring bold typography and hand-drawn illustrations, became synonymous with the vibrant energy of live music. These aren't just advertisements; they are collectible pieces of art that capture the essence of an era and the spirit of the performers. The shop's deep roots in Nashville mean that their work is woven into the fabric of Music City's cultural identity.
Even today, Hatch Show Print continues to create posters for contemporary artists and major music events, bridging the gap between historical significance and modern relevance. Their ongoing work ensures that the legacy of music poster art continues to evolve while staying true to its letterpress roots.
The Tour Experience: More Than Just a Visit
A significant part of the tour's appeal is the hands-on element. Participants get to ink and print their own souvenir poster, a tangible memento of their visit. This interactive component allows visitors to feel the process and take home a unique piece of art that they helped create.
While the tour provides a comprehensive overview, some visitors note that the machine operation area can be quite loud, potentially making it hard to hear all the details. However, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it an 'underrated must-see' and a highlight of their Nashville trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit