The Frist Center for the Visual Arts is no ordinary institution. The contemporary art museum's historic beginnings as a U.S. post office built during the Great Depression give it a double whammy of cultural significance, while its stunning Stripped Classical architecture exudes power, prominence and unflinching strength.
The building's complex history unfolds with every baluster, tile and ornamentation. Explore the slideshow below to wander the halls of this mammoth institution while learning about its journey from processing post to housing masterpieces.