Museums are the cultural hubs of Chattanooga. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about the Scenic City or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 12 museums to visit in our city.
History
National Medal of Honor Heritage Center, 2 W. Aquarium Way | $8-$17
Did you know the first Medal of Honor was awarded in Chattanooga? Learn about the highest military honor of valor + its recipients.
Don’t miss: Check out the Congressional Space Medal of Honor exhibit, highlighting Challenger Commander Dick Scobee’s story.
Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, 4119 Cromwell Rd. | $0-$10
Journey back to a time when railway travel was a way of life at one of the oldest + largest operating historic railroads in the southeast.
Don’t miss: The museum also offers a ton of train rides like historical tours, dinners, and holiday-themed rides.
The Coker Museum, 1309 Chestnut St. | $0-$12
See the personal collection of Corky Coker featuring vintage cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, and more.
Don’t miss: Make sure to keep up with the museum on Instagram for vintage car shows + more fun events.
Battles for Chattanooga Museum, 1110 E. Brow Rd., Lookout Mountain | $0-$8
This museum, located at the entrance of Point Park, details the area’s Civil War battle sites.
Don’t miss: Make sure to take a walk through Point Park after your museum visit to check out the site of the famous Battle Above the Clouds.
International Towing & Recovery Museum, 3315 Broad St. | $0-$12
Did you know Chatanooga is the birthplace of the tow truck? Learn about the history of the towing and recovery industry + check out the artifacts on display.
Don’t miss: Each year the museum recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions in its field during the Hall of Fame ceremony. You can check out the portraits of the inductees on the museum’s walls.
Classic Arcade Pinball Museum, 409 Broad St. | $16-$20
Check out the huge collection of pinball + arcade machines. Museum admission allows unlimited free play on all operating games.
Don’t miss: The “come-and-go” wristbands allow you to leave the museum and return so you can play the games throughout the entire day.
Overlooked Materials, 951 S. Watkins St. | Free
This glass recycling company has a museum dedicated to Chattanooga’s glass history at its warehouse location. Inquire via email to check out the space.
Don’t miss: Seeing old bottles collected from the area + reading the news clippings from years past.
Arts
Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View Ave. | $0-$20
This museum is known for its permanent + traveling collections that feature works from the 1700s through the present day.
Don’t miss: Check out the calendar of events full of art-inspired happenings. We love the Vision + Verse and Sunday Studios series.
Houston Museum of Decorative Arts, 201 High St. | $5-$10
The museum is currently closed for renovations, but folks can check out the pop-up location at 412 E. 2nd St. to see some of the personal collection of Anna Safely Houston, who collected thousands of rare + antique decorative art pieces.
Don’t miss: Can’t make it to the Metropolitan Museum of Art? The Houston Museum of pieces of its own, like this Edgefield Pottery face jug, that has been featured in the MET.
Kids
Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St. | $0-$20
Bring the kiddos to enjoy immersive, hands-on art, science, and music exhibits.
Don’t miss: The museum’s newest exhibit “Reimagine: A Cardboard Wonderland,” which is made completely of cardboard and reused materials.
Music
Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum, 200 E. MLK Blvd. | $0-$10
Learn about Chattanooga’s many Black music legends like Bessie Smith and The Impressions + celebrate local African American history and culture.
Don’t miss: Check out the museum’s Facebook page for information on educational and health series, lectures, movie screenings, and other happenings.
Songbirds, 206 W. Main St. | Free entry
Marvel at the extensive collection of vintage + rare guitars while learning about Chattanooga’s local music history.
Don’t miss: There are tons of interactive portions for kids and adults alike throughout the museum, so you can create some music of your own.
What to bring
Whether you’re heading to check out the latest art showcase or ready to marvel through historic architecture, have these essentials on hand while you venture through your local museums:
- Stay hydrated while you peruse ancient artifacts with this 64-ounce leak-proof glass jug with versatile lids for easy use.
- Pack light and breeze through security screenings using this clear, waterproof cross-sling bag to comfortably carry your valuables.
- Don’t forget to pack snacks for the tours — like these low calorie, low sugar KIND Bar minis that give your taste buds the perfect salty + sweet combo.
- Your feet will be ready to conquer the world when you wear this pair of New Balance women’s sneakers that give all-day support and cushion.
- These quick-drying cargo shorts by Wrangler give a relaxed and comfortable fit and feature extra pockets for easy storage of car keys, cell phones, and a museum guide.
- Use the thick-lined pages of this compact style, vegan leather journal to capture your thoughts as you spectate whimsical paintings and statues.
What did we miss? If you know a museum that’s not on the list, let us know.
