Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum

About Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum

Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum preserves and celebrates African American history and culture through permanent and rotating exhibitions, performances, and community events. Visitors explore "Walk Through Time: The Chattanooga African American Experience," a permanent exhibition documenting local African American life, and "Chattanooga's Black Soundtrack," which showcases regional African American musicians, singers, actors, and entertainers. The facility houses the Bessie Smith Performance Hall, hosting concerts, banquets, and educational programs. The museum offers guided group tours for parties of ten or more, allowing deeper exploration of collections and themes. Interactive displays and artifacts provide insight into the region's cultural heritage. The fully accessible venue provides free parking for all visitors. Admission is charged, with children five and under entering free according to bessiesmithcc.org.