Hunter Museum of American Art — Attraction in Chattanooga

A gorgeous museum that is larger than it first appears. Don’t miss the river views from the museum terraces!

It is worth visiting this museum just for the architecture and exterior spaces and terraces and views. I would pay the price of admission just to go out on the terrace and look at the beautiful views. Also, the interior is so lovely. There’s a modern interior and then the older space, and this layout allows rooms that feel smaller and more private while also having rooms that are more expansive that suit larger pieces. The staff is friendly; the gift shop is small but worthwhile.

The only thing that would make this museum better is if they had a little café. It would be wonderful to have a cup of coffee or a glass of champagne, but I completely understand what a production is to add a café. I just always enjoy spending the morning at any museum, and then pausing for lunch, and then spending the afternoon. This museum is also not so large that it cannot be taken in in either the morning or the afternoon, but the idea of being able to take a little cup of coffee out on the terrace would be enchanting.

I enjoyed their permanent collection, but their visiting exhibits are also delightful. This time, one of the visiting exhibits included a digital media aspect. It was really quite impressive with some larger pieces, and it was thoughtfully curated. The emoji interpretation on the classic The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch painting was brilliant!

Friendly staff adds to...

This was definitely an Educational field trip to the Museum. I along with other teachers went during the week. Most of the students were astonished by the beautiful view 😱 as you enter the Museum. The receptionist greeted us out front with a 😊. She went on to explain the rules, and regulations about the museum. There are some artifacts sensitive to touch. Please don't touch, it could possibly damage the quality 💰 lol. The students were all Exceptional Needs Students . They fully understood this as we entered the facility. I was impressed by the color coordination, and diversity representation of different artist. Everyone has a Life story. I came away feeling inspired, and motivated. Life is good 👍 ! Thanks, we Educators can learn like everyone else. Life of people are just like art work. We come in different shades, and sizes. I did comparison for my students, since many were slow learners. Guess what ? They still learned something as the receptionist spoke so down to earth. She even allowed one of our male students to briefly teach the classon his level. It was a beautiful experience for him, and his classmates. We are so proud of him. I highly recommend this for your school, camp, daycare, and family. You will walk away with a more broader point ☝️ of view about life. We enjoyed the experience. You, and many others will enjoy it the same. You will love the view as well. Thanks is well deserved. I love 💕 Chatt...

I usually love coming to this museum, but I decided to bring my 8 year old this time to see the Enchanted exhibit, which he loved. However, he was followed the entire time by security because they kept waiting for him to touch something, which he knows not to do. I felt extremely uncomfortable and unwelcome the entire time.

When we entered the Indigo room, which was labeled a lounge, he barely brushed his hand across the jean fabric hanging in the room. The rest of the room was for kids to play with, so he wasn't aware that it was off-limits. Immediately, the older lady in security came into the room and angrily told us we had been caught touching the exhibit, and that they had cameras all around to watch us, like we were some trouble-makers. She reprimanded us for several minutes before finally leaving us alone.

We have visited several prestigious art museums, including the High Museum of art, which had a Monet exhibit, and we weren't followed or ever treated this way in any other museum. Her rudeness, as well as being followed by all security, will keep me from ever returning.

Don't bring your kids here if you want them to be treated kindly or learn to enjoy art, because it is apparent security does not want kids...