Hunter Museum of American Art
Art from Colonial to contemporary in a stunning bluff-top setting with panoramic river and mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission & parking!
Hunter Museum of American Art
Best Time
Free admission & parking!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Art from Colonial to contemporary in a stunning bluff-top setting with panoramic river and mountain views.
"Spectacular museum with great history and art displays, plus amazing river views!"
🎯 Free First Thursday Fun
Visit on the first Thursday of the month for free admission and parking from 4-8 PM.
🚗 Validated Parking
Get up to 3 hours of free parking validated inside the museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Riverfront Views
Breathtaking vistas of the Tennessee River and iconic bridges from the museum's bluff setting.
Diverse Art Collection
From Colonial to contemporary, explore American art with pieces by Warhol, Hopper, and Wyeth.
Interactive Art Experience
Create your own digital self-portrait to be displayed on screen – a fun, modern twist.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission Days
Sculpture Garden Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free First Thursday Fun
Visit on the first Thursday of the month for free admission and parking from 4-8 PM.
🚗 Validated Parking
Get up to 3 hours of free parking validated inside the museum.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the sculpture gardens and stunning river views, weather permitting.
🖼️ Art for Fashion Lovers
Discover American art with potential fashion-forward pieces, great for art students.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free First Thursday Fun
Visit on the first Thursday of the month for free admission and parking from 4-8 PM.
🚗 Validated Parking
Get up to 3 hours of free parking validated inside the museum.
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the sculpture gardens and stunning river views, weather permitting.
🖼️ Art for Fashion Lovers
Discover American art with potential fashion-forward pieces, great for art students.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Hunter Museum of American Art for its stunning river views, diverse collection spanning American art history, and unique blend of historic and modern architecture. The free admission on first Thursdays and validated parking are appreciated perks. Some visitors note the museum is smaller than expected, and outdoor sculpture gardens can be closed.
"This Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee is spectacular and i went there with my dad this weekend. this Museum has it's great History and Art Displays in every single gallery ever from the Colonial American era to the Modern Day Art era of now, plus you can make your own Digital Portrait of yourself and let your imagination go wild; and there Gift Shop is very decent and nice!"
Ricco Canipe
"Definitely smaller but excellently priced and very informative. The displays describe the artwork perfectly and the sculpture is outside lead to a interesting garden walk under the famous adjacent bridge. Regrettably the garden display is closed until a later date."
Michael Richardson
"The museum is a mix of classic and modern architecture and features an extensive collection of American art with a few European artists mixed in. While it doesn't boast a huge number of famous artists there are a few pieces by Warhol, Hopper, Wyeth, Wood and Sargent in the collection. The main part of the collection is 1800's to mid 1900's American art and it's a very nice collection. There is some modern and contemporary art mixed in. The museum includes some interactive areas, including one to make an expressive self portrait to be featured on a screen at the beginning of the walk through. Unfortunately, we didn't get to venture through the sculpture gardens because it was raining. It's definitely worth a trip, and you get 3 hours of free parking validated inside the museum."
Jenn Vilandre
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hunter Museum of American Art is easily accessible by car or on foot in Chattanooga. There are plenty of parking areas nearby, and it's situated right on the riverfront.
Yes, there is parking available. You can get up to 3 hours of free parking validated inside the museum.
Absolutely! The museum is located in a central area of Chattanooga, making it easily walkable from many points along the riverfront.
Driving or taking a short taxi/rideshare is convenient. It's also a pleasant walk if you're staying near the riverfront.
While specific routes can vary, Chattanooga has public bus services that may serve the downtown and riverfront areas, making it a potential option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is generally reasonably priced. Check the official website for current hunter museum prices and any potential discounts.
Yes! The Hunter Museum offers free admission on the first Thursday of each month from 4-8 PM as part of their 'Throwback Thursday' event.
While specific hunter museum admission costs can vary, it's considered excellently priced by visitors. Look for special free days like 'Throwback Thursday'.
It's always a good idea to check the official huntermuseum.org website for the most up-to-date information on purchasing hunter museum of american art tickets in advance.
Museum hours can vary, so it's best to consult the official Hunter Museum of American Art website for the most current operating times before your visit.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The Hunter Museum of American Art collection spans from the Colonial period to the present day, focusing on American art with some European pieces. You'll find works by artists like Warhol, Hopper, and Wyeth.
Yes, the museum offers interactive areas, like creating a digital self-portrait, which can be engaging for children.
The collection is extensive, featuring 1800s to mid-1900s American art, alongside modern and contemporary pieces.
Absolutely! The museum offers stunning views of the Tennessee River and bridges, making for beautiful photos.
The sculpture gardens are an outdoor area featuring art installations with scenic river views, though they may be closed due to weather.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, visitors mention a 'very decent and nice' gift shop at the Hunter Museum, perfect for souvenirs.
Information on specific dining options within the museum isn't widely detailed, but it's always worth checking their official website for any cafe or restaurant services.
Given its riverfront location, there are likely numerous dining establishments in the surrounding Chattanooga area, offering a variety of cuisines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main art collections might appeal more to adults, the museum's layout and the opportunity to explore the grounds (weather permitting) can keep children entertained. The free admission on the first Thursday evening also makes it a more accessible outing for families.
🎨 Art & Fashion Enthusiasts
Given the museum's focus on American art, you might find pieces that reflect or influence fashion trends of their respective eras. The inclusion of works by artists like Warhol, whose work often intersected with pop culture and fashion, could be particularly interesting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Blend of History and Modernity
This architectural duality is often highlighted by visitors, who appreciate how the building itself complements the art it contains. The museum's prime location on a bluff overlooking the Tennessee River adds another layer of appeal, providing stunning natural backdrops that enhance the overall visit.
For those interested in specific artists, the museum boasts pieces by notable figures such as Andy Warhol, Edward Hopper, Andrew Wyeth, and John Singer Sargent, among others. This makes the Hunter Museum a significant stop for anyone interested in the breadth of American artistic expression.
Beyond the Galleries: Outdoor Delights
Crucially, these areas offer spectacular views of the Tennessee River, the city's bridges, and the riverwalk. Visitors frequently mention the beautiful pictures they capture from these vantage points, making it a photographer's delight.
It's important to note that the sculpture gardens and outdoor displays can be subject to closures, particularly due to weather conditions. Visitors planning a trip should ideally check the museum's status or be prepared for the possibility of limited outdoor access.
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