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:
Masks – All museum staff and visitors over the age of 5 are required to wear masks that cover their nose and mouth.
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.
No-touch – We are offering a hands-free experience whenever possible. All of our maps and exhibition guides are available online. You can access these materials at HunterMuseum.org/mobile. The Hunter Museum provides free wifi access; no password required.
ADMISSION
I’m a member. Do I need to reserve a ticket online?
Members do not need to reserve a ticket online.
Why should I have to buy an online ticket?
In order to provide the safest experience possible for all guests, volunteers, and staff we are asking not-yet-members to purchase tickets online.
I haven’t purchased a ticket online before. What are my options?
Tickets will be available for puchase HERE. Tickets are listed on a weekly basis, to buy online tickets at a more advance date please purchase a week before your requested visit or purchase on site at the museum.
Come on in! We are setting aside a limited number of tickets for walk-up guests.
Call us at 423.267.0968 between 10am -4pm, we would be happy to assist you.
Why are some discounted rates unavailable online?
We will continue to honor all of our discounted rates, but only the Senior rate will be available online. Guests may redeem other discounted rates by purchasing a ticket at the front desk of the museum at the beginning of their visit. Please plan to bring the applicable ID for the rate you’d like to redeem.
During my visit
Do I have to wear a mask?
The Hunter will require all guests over the age of 5 to wear face masks during their entire visit to the museum. Children ages 2-5 will be strongly encouraged to wear masks. This requirement is based on current Tennessee and CDC guidelines as well as current mask mandate in Chattanooga. Guests should plan to bring their own masks.
I have a face shield, do I still have to wear a mask?
Yes. All visitors are required to wear face masks covering the nose and mouth. You are welcome to wear a face shield in addition to your face mask.
Why do I have to stay 6 feet away from other guests that aren’t in my household?
Physical distancing of 6 feet (about two arms lengths) apart is a requirement based on current Tennessee and CDC guidelines, as well as current recommendations from local health providers.
Will maps or brochures be available?
All of our maps and exhibition guides are available online at HunterMuseum.org/Mobile.
Will the museum store be open?
Yes, the museum store will be open during updated museum store hours, with a capacity limit of 4 people or one household group at a time to ensure that our guest experience remains as safe as possible.
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.
Why are the water fountains closed?
In accordance with current Tennessee and CDC guidelines, as well as current recommendations from local health providers, the public drinking fountains will be closed until further notice. Cold bottled water is available for purchase in the Museum Store and can be enjoyed on the museum terrace.
What should I do if I start to feel sick during my visit?
Visitors who become ill at the museum should leave immediately. Any visitor who becomes ill and cannot immediately leave the facility will be isolated until transportation becomes available.

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.
- The museum has closed or modified any exhibit which either cannot be disinfected or in which physical distancing is not possible. Only one area in the museum, the Landscape Lounge, is completely closed at this time. Other interactive areas have been modified to provide the safest experience possible for our guests.
- 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.
Hunter Exhibitions and Events
Will you still be having educational programs and events?
For now, all of our education programs are online. We will continue to add content to Virtual Hunter, as well as hosting Facebook Live staff-led art activities. Small group tours are available, and we look forward to announcing on-site public programs in smaller groups very soon. Sign-up for the Hunter e-newsletter or follow us on social media for updates.
What exhibitions will be on view this year?
The F Word: We Mean Female! exhibition will be on view through January 10, 2021. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in the U.S., the Hunter celebrates many of the incredible works in its collection by female artists. Highlighting larger installation pieces, many of which are rarely on view, the exhibition will include a range of artworks with a mix of subjects, styles and media.
Because of shipping and artist travel restrictions due to Covid-19, both the Mediterranea and Lalla Essaydi exhibitions have been moved to fall 2021.
Will you be hosting weddings and other big events?
Please contact our Special Events department if you are interested in booking an event. They will be happy to answer specific questions about museum rentals and scheduling.
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 Kid’s 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.