Hatch Show Print

Walk into Hatch Show Print, and you step into a world where ink, wood, and imagination come alive. Every poster here feels like a heartbeat from Nashville’s past—bold, textured, and full of American musical spirit. This is not just a print shop; it’s a living story, pressed one letter at a time.

Founded in 1879, Hatch Show Print is one of the oldest operating letterpress shops in the United States. It has created iconic posters for legends like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Dolly Parton. Today, its vintage craft continues to inspire artists, musicians, travelers, and anyone who loves creativity carved into wood and pressed into history.

• Established: 1879, making it one of America's oldest letterpress print shops.
• Cultural Role: Known for its handcrafted posters promoting concerts, circus acts, and major entertainers; now a symbol of Nashville's creative identity.
• Symbolic Value: Represents the preservation of traditional printing techniques in a modern digital world.
• Architectural Feel: Industrial, artistic, and retro—filled with wooden blocks, ink rollers, and poster walls that create a sensory time-travel experience.
• Quick Facts:
• Part of the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum.
• Houses thousands of historic hand-carved wood blocks.
• Offers live demonstrations and interactive workshops.

Best Time to Visit Hatch Show Print

• Best Seasons:
• October to April for pleasant weather and lighter crowds.
• Best Time of Day:
• Late morning to early afternoon for live demonstrations.
• Weekdays for fewer visitors.
• Special Events:
• Poster workshops, limited-edition print releases, and occasional artist events.

Things to See / Key Attractions Near Hatch Show Print

• Inside Hatch Show Print:
• The print shop floor with vintage wooden letters and printing blocks.
• Walls covered with iconic posters made for legendary musicians.
• Live letterpress demonstrations where you can watch posters being printed.
• Hands-on activities where visitors can make their own prints (select sessions).
• A gift store offering posters, notebooks, postcards, and limited editions.
• Sensory Highlights:
• The smell of fresh ink.
• The sound of the press rolling.
• The tactile feel of wood-carved blocks and textured paper.

Visitor Tips for Hatch Show Print

• Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll want to explore every corner.
• Photography is allowed in many areas, but follow the staff guidelines.
• Kid-friendly space, but supervise young children around equipment.
• Allocate 45–60 minutes for the shop; longer if attending a workshop.
• Visit early in the day or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
• The gift shop items sell out fast—grab what you love!

How to Reach Hatch Show Print

• Nearest Airport:
• Nashville International Airport (BNA), about 20 minutes away.
• Public Transport:
• Buses and local rideshare options available citywide.
• Walkable from downtown Nashville attractions.
• By Car:
• Paid parking available near the Country Music Hall of Fame.
• From Major Landmarks:
• 5 minutes from Bridgestone Arena.
• 10 minutes from Broadway’s Honky Tonk Highway.

Nearby Attractions & Where to Eat Near Hatch Show Print

Attractions:

• Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
• Music City Walk of Fame Park
• Johnny Cash Museum

Where to Eat:

• Assembly Food Hall – Variety of Nashville specialties under one roof.
• Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint – Popular for Southern-style barbecue.

FAQs of Hatch Show Print

Q: Can I buy posters directly from the shop?

Yes, the store sells original prints, souvenirs, and specially crafted posters.

Q: How long does a typical visit take?

Most visitors spend around 45 minutes; workshops may take 1–2 hours.

Q: Is Hatch Show Print suitable for kids?

Absolutely! Kids enjoy watching the printing process and exploring the colorful posters.

Q: Are photos allowed inside?

Yes, but certain workshop areas may have restrictions—follow staff instructions.

Q: Do I need to book tours in advance?

Not required for browsing, but recommended for tours and workshops due to limited spots.