Museums and galleries in Chattanooga

Museums and galleries in Chattanooga

1. See

   Creative Discovery Museum

   Corner of Chestnut and 4th. Search for Lost Dinosaur Bones! Build Slot Cars! Create Your Own Music! Walk Through A Picture! Captain a ship in RiverPlay! Creative Discovery Museum isn't just for children, although it was designed for them in mind. There are lots of interactive exhibits here, enough to keep even the most hyperactive of kids entertained. Revolving exhibits, such as "Clifford, the Big Red Dog" and "Curious George" keep the Museum fresh for multiple visits. Creative Discovery Museum was voted as one of the top 20 children's museums in the nation by Child magazine. Plan on spending approximately 2 hours in the Museum. Value-pack tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX and Creative Discovery Museum are also available. Visit the website for current hours.

   Daily 10AM-1PM, 2-5PM·Adult or child $16, senior 14, military or first responder $10

2. See

   Houston Museum of Decorative Arts

   Located in a century-old Victorian house in the Bluff View Art District. It is home to antique glass and ceramics, as well as antique furniture, music boxes, coverlets and other rare pieces from the collection of the late Anna Safley Houston. It boasts the world's largest collection of pitchers.

   Open Mon-Fri 9:30AM-4PM. Open seasonally on Sat and Sun. Closed major holidays·Adults $7, children (4-12) $3.50. Discounts available for groups of 20 or more

3. See

   Hunter Museum of American Art

   Perched on an 80-foot bluff on the edge of the Tennessee River, the Hunter Museum of American Art offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. This panorama is equaled only by the exceptional collection of American art inside recognized as one of the country's finest.

   Open Mon Tue Fri Sat 10AM-5PM; Wed noon-5PM, Thu 10AM-9PM, closed Wednesdays Labor Day through Memorial Day·$7 for adults, $3.50 children 3 - 12

4. See

   International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum

   The museum can be found on the right in a blue and white building as you drive toward the mountain, a short drive from downtown. Chattanooga was chosen as the site of the museum because the first wrecker was built here at the Ernest Holmes Company. You'll find dozens of antique tow trucks and pictures of Hall of Famers.

   $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 55 and older, $4 for children 6 - 18, and free for children 5 and under

5. See

   Tennessee Aquarium

   The Tennessee Aquarium features two buildings, "Ocean Journey" and "River Journey." The River Journey focuses on freshwater environments, carrying you through mountains forests, swamps, valley and lakes, both in the Tennessee Valley and throughout the world. Some of the special attractions are the seahorses and otters. The Ocean Journey building offers opportunity to touch stingrays, visit a butterfly garden and see sharks. Both buildings stand out in the skyline with their pitched glass roofs and have become a popular landmark for photographers. Expect to tour for at least two and a half hours, more during the summer. During the summer, hours are extended and tickets are time-stamped. Purchasing tickets in advance during the summer months (or even all year) is an extremely good idea. Not only are they cheaper, you can also plan on an entry time. Combination tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX and Creative Discovery Museum are available. First admittance at 10AM and last at 6PM, outside of summer months.

6. See

   Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

   Ride the 50 minute Missionary Ridge Local for a guided tour of their restoration shop or grab the 4 hour roundtrip ride into Chickamauga, Georgia. Special tours like the Autumn Leaf special or the Steam All the Way, North Pole Limited, Valentines (sometimes dinner) available seasonally.

   Tickets $25 - 125

7. See Not mapped

   IMAX 3D Theater

   This six-story-high IMAX 3D Theater features two 3D films that change regularly, often themed closely to the latest special attraction at the Aquarium, and feature films. Tickets purchased at the box office may not be for an immediate showing, so advance purchases are best for planning purposes. Single movie tickets are $11.95 for adults, $9.95 for children 3-12 (or higher for feature films). Combination tickets for the Aquarium, IMAX and Creative Discovery Museum are available.

8. Buy Not mapped

   In-Town Gallery

   Founded in 1974, In-Town Gallery is one of the oldest co-operative galleries in the United States. Member-owned and operated by more than 30 local artist members, In-Town Gallery is a comfortable to browse. When you enter, you will be greeted by one or two member artists who are happy to guide you through the gallery. It is vibrant and full of creative energy and inspiration. The prices are surprisingly affordable considering it shows some of the best original artwork in the Chattanooga area. In-Town Gallery is a "must-see" Chattanooga art gallery!

   Mon-Sat 11AM-6PM, Sun 1-5PM, First Fridays until 8PM

9. See Not mapped

   River Gallery Sculpture Garden

   Located in the Bluff View Art district, this piece of greenspace on the bluff near the Veteran's Bridge offer a little peace and a lot of beautiful art.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Chattanooga (CC BY-SA 4.0).