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Discover the Hatch Show Print Tour in Tennessee

Step inside one of America’s oldest working letterpress print shops at Hatch Show Print in Nashville. This iconic print shop—famous for its boldly colored posters promoting musicians, circuses, vaudeville acts and major cultural events since 1879—offers a guided tour through its print studio, production floor and classroom spaces. Visitors learn the art of letterpress printing, see vintage wood type in use and create their own souvenir print.

Why it’s special:
Hatch Show Print is a living piece of American music and design history. Still producing posters by hand with original wood and metal type, the shop blends tradition with contemporary creativity. Touring this legendary workshop offers an authentic glimpse into Nashville’s cultural heritage and the artistry behind classic concert posters.

History/Story of Hatch Show Print

Founded in 1879, Hatch Show Print became one of the nation’s premier letterpress poster shops, creating bold, unmistakable designs for performers including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, B.B. King and countless modern musicians. After joining the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum campus, the shop continues to operate daily using traditional letterpress techniques, preserving its iconic style for new generations.

What You’ll See & Do at the Hatch Show Print Tour

Explore the print shop’s historic production floor filled with antique presses and wood type
Watch designers and press operators setting type, inking blocks and pulling prints
Learn the step-by-step process of letterpress poster creation
View a gallery of classic Hatch posters spanning more than a century
Create your own limited-edition print to take home as a souvenir

Hands-On Elements: Participants ink and press their own small letterpress print during the tour.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed in most areas; flashes or filming may be restricted around active presswork.
Souvenirs & Extras: Posters, apparel, stationery, art prints, books and limited-edition designs sold in the gift shop.

Pricing of the Hatch Show Print Tour

Standard guided tour: typically $22–$25 per adult, includes hands-on printing activity
Discounted rates available for youth and museum members
Private group tours available by reservation

Practical Info for Visiting Hatch Show Print

Duration: 45–60 minutes
Format: Guided studio tour with hands-on printing activity
Schedule & Seasonality: Tours offered daily at multiple times
Working Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; tour times vary throughout the day
Audience: Families, artists, designers, students, music fans and cultural travelers
Accessibility: Fully accessible spaces within the Country Music Hall of Fame campus
Safety & Restrictions: Children must remain close to adults during hands-on printing; ink may stain clothing
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Group bookings, school visits and private workshops available
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable clothing; consider wearing something ink-friendly for printing
Facilities: Gift shop, museum café, restrooms, parking garages nearby
Closures & Downtime: Closed on major holidays; occasional private-event closures
Nearby:

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Walk of Fame Park
Bridgestone Arena and Broadway entertainment district

FAQs About Visiting Hatch Show Print

Do I need a reservation for the tour?
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during peak tourist months.

Can children participate in the hands-on printing?
Yes—children can take part in supervised printing activities, though very young children may need assistance.

Will I see live poster printing during the tour?
Most days include live presswork, but visibility depends on the production schedule.

Can I buy posters after the tour?
Absolutely—the gift shop carries hundreds of poster designs, including classic reprints and new releases.

Is photography allowed inside the print shop?
Yes, but flash and filming may be limited near active presses for safety and print quality control.