Telling the Story of a Nation, One Work of Art at a Time

While art is a universal language, art museums are where that language becomes a conversation—cultural sanctuaries where history, creativity, and human expression converge. The Hunter Museum of American Art is a cultural treasure in the Southeast and one of Chattanooga’s most iconic landmarks, featuring an exceptional collection of American art that spans more than 200 years.

History

The Hunter Museum of American Art is perched atop an 80-foot bluff, offering stunning views of the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga. The museum is housed in the Faxon-Thomas Mansion, a remarkable example of Georgian Revival architecture designed by Abram Garfield, son of President James A. Garfield. Completed in 1906, Garfield, who also served as a Union officer during the Civil War, may have drawn inspiration from his father’s legacy when designing the mansion. The mansion’s exterior evokes the federal style seen on the South Lawn of the White House and faces the Tennessee River in a manner reminiscent of Mount Vernon’s veranda overlooking the Potomac.

Originally, the mansion served as the home of insurance broker Ross Faxon and his family. In 1920, it was sold to Anne Taylor Thomas, widow of Benjamin F. Thomas, a co-founder of the world’s first Coca-Cola bottling company. George Thomas Hunter, their nephew, worked as the secretary of the Coca-Cola Bottling Company from 1906 until Benjamin’s death in 1914, after which he took control of the business. Hunter’s notable philanthropic efforts culminated in the creation of the Benwood Foundation in 1944, named after his uncle’s summer home on Lookout Mountain. Upon his death in 1950, Hunter left the bulk of his estate to the foundation, further cementing his legacy in the community. In 1950, the Chattanooga Art Association partnered with the Benwood Foundation to transform the mansion into an art museum. The museum officially opened its doors to the public on July 12, 1952, as the George Thomas Hunter Gallery of Art.

A significant expansion in 1975 saw the addition of a Brutalist-style East Wing, designed by the Chattanooga firm Derthick, Henley & Wilkerson. The wing features a dramatic central atrium that contrasts beautifully with the historic mansion.

In 2005, the museum underwent another expansion with the addition of the West Wing, designed by architect Randall Stout. This contemporary addition features a zinc-clad exterior and modern exhibition spaces. The undulating roof of the West Wing echoes the dynamic flow of the Tennessee River below, and its innovative use of exposed structural steel won national acclaim in the 2006 Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture with Structural Steel awards program. Together, these buildings represent a fusion of architectural styles that complement the evolving story of American art. The Hunter Museum serves as a visual record of history, culture, and society, offering a space where the past and future converge through art. Situated between the Civil War landmarks of Signal Hill and Lookout Mountain, the museum stands as both a monument to history and a window into what’s yet to come.

Permanent Collection

The Hunter Museum of American Art is home to a vibrant and diverse collection that spans the breadth of American art history, from the colonial era to contemporary works. The earliest works of the museum’s collection include American Colonial and Early American Art, showcasing portraits, landscapes, and historical pieces from the 18th and early 19th centuries. These works often reflect the early American experience and ideals, providing insight into the formation of the nation.

Moving into the 19th century, the museum highlights the Hudson River School, a group of landscape painters known for their depictions of the American wilderness. Artists like Albert Bierstadt and Frederic Edwin Church are well represented here, capturing the grandeur and beauty of the American landscape. The collection also includes examples of American Impressionism, with works by artists such as Childe Hassam and John Singer Sargent that reveal the changing artistic trends of the period.

In the 20th century, the museum focuses on Modern and Contemporary Art, with significant works by prominent figures like Georgia O’Keeffe, Stuart Davis, and Charles Sheeler. There are also pieces from the Abstract Expressionism movement and Pop Art, featuring artists such as Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. These pieces provide a snapshot of the evolving styles and ideas in American art during the 20th century. Given its location in the South, the Hunter Museum places a strong emphasis on Southern Art. The collection includes works by notable Southern artists like Benny Andrews and Ralph Gibson, exploring the unique cultural history and identity of the region. The museum also houses a significant collection of photography, featuring works by renowned photographers such as Richard Avedon and Dorothea Lange. These photographs capture pivotal moments in American history, offering powerful narratives through the lens of visual storytelling.

The museum’s collection of sculpture includes both classical and contemporary works. From iconic pieces by Rodin to modern sculptures displayed in both indoor and outdoor spaces, these works offer a tactile experience of American artistic expression.

Traveling Exhibitions

The Hunter Museum of American Art regularly hosts traveling exhibitions, which are a vital part of its programming and contribute to the museum’s ability to bring unique and diverse art collections to Chattanooga. These exhibitions are often curated by major museums, galleries, or cultural institutions from across the country or even internationally. They travel the circuit, making their way to the Hunter Museum, and provide local visitors with the chance to experience works and themes that might not otherwise be available in the region.

By hosting these traveling exhibitions, the Hunter Museum ensures that its visitors have access to a wide variety of artistic genres, historical periods, and cultural perspectives. This includes exhibitions featuring renowned artists, thematic explorations, and significant movements in American and international art. Whether it’s an in-depth look at an individual artist’s career or a broader exploration of social, political, or cultural topics through art, these temporary exhibitions offer an enriching experience that enhances the museum’s already impressive permanent collection.

Community Engagement

The Hunter Museum of American Art is a shining example of how art museums can shape and transform the communities they serve. With its distinctive campus, exceptional collection of American art, and strong ties to the local community, the museum has become an indispensable space for creativity, connection, and the sharing of ideas. Director Virginia Ann Sharber underscores the museum’s belief that “art and creativity are forces for personal growth and positive community change.” The Museum, along with the Benwood Foundation, share a vision of fostering a vibrant, inclusive Chattanooga—one where commitment to people and place creates new possibilities. They envision a city where the growth and prosperity of downtown Chattanooga bring opportunities for all residents, especially those in underserved areas, ensuring that every child develops a sense of purpose and belief in a bright future, and that every Chattanoogan has the resources and agency to improve their lives, reach their full potential, and strengthen their communities.

Through its programs and initiatives, the Hunter Museum is actively contributing to this vision, working to build a thriving and connected city. The Hunter Museum plays a crucial role in Chattanooga’s cultural fabric, offering a variety of programs that promote accessibility and education. The museum provides free admission to children under 17, active military members and their families, participants in “Family Fun Days” held three times a year, and all visitors on the first Thursday evening of each month. The museum also launched initiatives such as “Black Professionals at the Hunter” in 2018, creating inclusive spaces for Chattanooga’s African American community through art-centered social events. Additionally, the museum partners with local organizations to support underserved populations by offering free youth art workshops and collaborating with groups focused on social justice and economic empowerment.

Its educational outreach extends to a wide range of audiences, including pre-K to 12 educators, families, teens, college students, and adults, ensuring the museum remains a welcoming hub for learning and artistic engagement. Through its rich history, diverse and robust collection, dynamic exhibitions, and active community involvement, the Hunter Museum of American Art serves as a cultural cornerstone in Chattanooga, fostering an inclusive environment for art appreciation and education—celebrating the evolution of American art and connecting people of all backgrounds through the vocabulary of art.

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A version of this story was previously published in the 2025 edition of our Travel Inspiration Magazine.

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