The Hunter Museum of American Art welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of art knowledge to experience the Hunter’s collection and special exhibitions. Art influences all parts of life, from inspiring the clothes people wear to the buildings in our cities. Visit the Hunter to see how art tells the stories of our America.
Covid-19 and my visit
Chattanooga has always been celebrated as a friendly, welcoming community of people who truly care about our city and about one another. We are so proud to be a part of this community and as part of community spirit, we want to ensure that the museum is a safe space for all of our guests.
BEFORE LEAVING HOME
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the potential risk of exposure, we ask that you perform a self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms before you leave home. Your participation and honesty are essential to help us take measures to protect you and everyone at the Hunter.
If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, we kindly ask that you do NOT visit us at this time.
IN THE LAST 14 DAYS HAVE YOU:
- Been diagnosed with COVID-19 by a health care professional?
- Experienced cold or flu-like symptoms which may include cough, shortness of breath or chest tightness, sore throat, nasal congestion and runny nose, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, a fever over 104 degrees, chills, or sweats?
- Had close contact with an individual who was diagnosed with COVID-19 or cared for someone diagnosed with COVID-19?
WHEN YOU ARRIVE:
Physical Distancing – Maintain 6 feet between yourself and other guests throughout the museum. Note the capacity limits in certain galleries, museum elevators, and in the museum store.
Cleaning protocols – Hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the museum and all frequently touched surfaces will be cleaned with increased frequency.
During my visit
Do I have to wear a mask?
No, masks are now optional for all guests.
Will maps or brochures be available?
All of our maps and exhibition guides are available at the desk or online at HunterMuseum.org/Mobile.
Will the museum store be open?
Yes, the museum store will be open.
Will elevators be accessible?
Yes, elevators will remain open for guests, with capacity limits of one household group at a time.
Can I use the coatroom to store my belongings while visiting the museum?
Yes, free lockers and coat-check will be available. Only one guest or household group may be in the coatroom at one time. Sanitized wheelchairs, strollers, and portable stools will be available upon request.
Are wheelchairs available?
Yes, wheelchairs, strollers, and lightweight gallery stools are available upon request free of charge. Any borrowed item will be sanitized before and after each use. Please ask an associate for assistance.
Cleaning Protocols
Cleaning and disinfecting procedures will be expanded throughout the museum according to CDC guidelines.
- Common seating areas and frequently touched surfaces will be sanitized throughout the day, including elevator buttons, handrails, furniture armrests, and restroom fixtures at least every two hours. If it makes you more comfortable we also have sanitized portable gallery stools available if you’d like to borrow one from Visitor Services.
- Hand sanitizer stations are placed throughout the museum, including in the East Wing Art Lounge, West Wing second floor, East Wing, and on each floor of the Mansion.
Thank you for doing your part to help us maintain a clean environment. If you see any areas that need additional attention, please let one of our staff members know.
Tips for your visit
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions will keep you up to date on exhibitions happening throughout the museum.
Check out upcoming events for available programs happening during your next visit.
Casual attire is welcome, and we encourage visitors to dress comfortably.
Most visitors spend around 1 ½ hours exploring the museum.
Wheelchairs and strollers are available for use free of charge at Visitor Services. Please call 48 hours in advance of your visit to arrange for assistance to and from the parking lot.
Coming as a group or you want to schedule a tour? Click here for more details about tours.
Free secure 12”x 12” lockers are available in the coatroom during your visit. We ask that you leave backpacks or large bags in lockers for the safety of the collection.
Please do not bring food or drink into the galleries.
Please do not touch the artwork including outdoor and indoor sculptures; fingerprints can damage works of art.
Please keep a distance of at least 18 inches from the art, pedestals, or walls for the safety of the collection and museum. Please do not lean on walls or pedestals.
Photography is permitted in the permanent collection, museum’s terraces, and in the sculpture garden. For the safety of the collection we restrict the use of flash photography as well as tripods, selfie sticks, and video cameras.
Bring a sketch pad and pencils (colored or graphite) or tablet computer to sketch your favorite pieces or the beautiful views. Please sign the sketch permission form at Visitor Services for approval on using your sketch tools in the gallery.
On Thursdays, the Hunter is open late, until 8pm.
What’s nearby?
The Hunter Museum is located in Downtown Chattanooga. There are numerous attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and coffee shops within walking distance. Check out the map below to see several nearby places of interest.
Visiting with the family
Whether participating in one of the Hunter’s programs or just exploring the galleries, families are always welcome at the Hunter.
Kids are always free! We ask that visitors bringing children 14 and under have one adult chaperone per five children.
Strollers and wheelchairs are available for use free of charge at Visitor Services.
Please take a moment to review the Kids’ Guidelines as a family before your visit:
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Fingerprints are great for detectives, but not for art. Please do not touch paintings or sculptures. Use your eyes to explore.
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Snap selfies in the permanent collection and tag #HUNTERMUSEUM. Just do it without a selfie stick. Please turn off the flash. Bright bursts of light can damage the artwork.
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Food and drink are for enjoying, but not inside the galleries. Water bottles may be left in complimentary lockers along with totes & backpacks.
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You may want to run or jump for joy in the museum! Please wait until you are safely outside.
Resources for Visitors on the Autism Spectrum
With a focus on sound, light, and touch, the sensory-friendly map with visitor guidelines and social narrative will assist youth on the Autism Spectrum or with sensory processing disorders in preparing for their visit and navigating the museum.
