Wally Workman Gallery

Need to knows:

Stroller or sling? Recommended sling

Baby friendly restrooms? No

Parking validation? No — they have a small free lot with 3 spots or paid street parking

Wally Workman Gallery is a 40 year old gallery space in the heart of Clarksville, and it’s the ideal bougie outing for you and that baby. Wally clearly has a keen eye, and her two story exhibition space packs in the works of more than 50 artists at any given time. Everything about the experience — from the 100+ year old historic building, to the ample natural light, to the friendly, warm staff, to the exceptional collection — lend to creating the nicest privately owned gallery I’ve ever visited. It’s no surprise they’ve stood the test of time.

You’ll park out back in one of their three designated spots. Contrary to what you may think, the entrance is actually just off the parking lot and not on West 6th street. There’s a ramp leading from the parking lot, so it’s easily navigable with the stroller if you choose to bring it.

The gallery is free, so the staff will greet you but then tell you to look around and ask questions as they arise. There’s a small restroom downstairs, but there’s no changing table. Bring a mat — in an emergency, you can always change the baby on the restroom floor.

The downstairs space is currently featuring a stunning collection by Priscilla Robinson called “A Piece of the Sky” until Oct 31. About half of her pieces look like living walls of hydrangeas, but the medium is a leaf fiber called “abaca.” She also has some some abstract pieces composed of acrylic on paper. Her exhibition takes up most of the main space when you walk in, and it’s all easily navigable if you have the stroller.

There’s a staircase leading to the second floor, but the staff offered to watch the stroller so I could carry the baby upstairs. I opted to do so and felt comfortable walking up and down with the baby. If you’re nervous with stairs, then obviously bring the sling.

The second floor has a diverse selection of photography, paintings, and a handful of sculptures. and everything flows beautifully from piece to piece. The calm ambience is ideal for babies who get overstimulated easily, yet it’s also easy to bolt if the baby is having a meltdown. All in all, it takes about 30 min to see the entire gallery, but you could easily spend an hour in the space if the baby is cooperating.

According to the staff, they change collections every month, so this could easily be a regular stress-free outing for you and that baby.

It’s a baby/bougie winner! Check out their website for more info to plan your trip.