hunter museum of american art

We arrived a couple of hours before closing and saw the New York Times Magazine Photograph exhibition which was ver good, unfortunately did not have time to see the second floor exhibits so give yourself at least 3 hours

Once we figured out how to reach the museum, we had our senses filled with wonder and beauty both from the pieces of art as well as the building which houses them. The cell phone information system on select paintings was extremely helpful and easy to use. Would be hard pressed to say which time period was my favorite. I found gems around every corner. The staff were lovely. The gift shop adorable. Only wish they had more postcards of the work in their permanent collection.

I loved this museum! It was nice being able to walk through the mansion and the view from the top was pretty spectacular as well.

Beautiful place for a wedding. Very helpful coordinator. View is a wonderful backdrop, chairs provided, waiting areas available.

Perched on a bluff overlooking the beautiful Tennessee River, this museum has a very fine collection of American art. It is an easy walk from the Tennessee Aquarium and the Walnut Street bridge and an anchor for the Bluff View Art District, which has other museums, galleries and restaurants to offer.

It was a cold, sunny February morning when we visited the Hunter (entry fee $9.95); early on this Monday morning, there were only a handful of museum visitors. The staff were very friendly, provided a map of the museum and explained the best way to view the collection. We stored our heavy coats in the closet and enjoyed the warmth of the museum. We started in the mansion with the older art collection (1730-1880); views of the city and the river were accompanied with old photos documenting changes through the years; a small room provided information about the mansion and former residents. Downstairs, we followed the map through the the decades (1880-today). Restrooms were conveniently placed in several locations. There were plenty of benches and chairs throughout so that visitors could rest or sit and enjoy the art. My favorite collection was the glass art and there was a very unique piece of video art (Fold) by Surabhi Saraf (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPjTtOH3viY). The New York Times Magazine photo exhibit is very interesting and will be at the Hunter through March 22, 2015. There is also a nice gift shop in the museum.

We are patron members of the Asheville Art Museum, which provides reciprocal free entry into many art museums across the country. That being said, I would gladly pay entry fees to revisit this museum. The facilities and collections are beautiful. If you are an art lover, put this on your list when visiting Chattanooga.

The garden artwork (the horse in front), the glass bridge, the variety of artwork along with the original home make for a great museum experience.

While walking through downtown Chattanooga, you'll often look up and see this strange, grey metal building hanging out over the river. You'll want to get closer and discover what it is and find yourself going inside! I was very impressed and although I know a little about art from sculpture and pottery classes in college, I'm certainly no expert. When I went, they had a really interesting digital media display with computer screens, TV's with various commentaries on art and life. My favorite section was the American Art on display in the "White House" like building. American paintings and sculptures from mostly the 1800's - lots of presidential and western themed art. It was really a cool thing to see. The entrance fee was nominal and the I believe the first Sunday of every month is free admission.

Really loved looking at all the art. Such a big building with a nice story behind it. The entire art district is worth the visit.

Everything about the Hunter Museum is beautiful from its setting above the river, the sculptures outside, the mansion, the variety of art, even the tile on the bathroom floor! My favorite piece was Beth Lipman's "Flowers, Bread, Chalice, and Sticks."Outside the gift shop there's a machine called Art-O-Mat. Get a tiny work of art for $5. It's fun. I got a necklace. I also liked the reading room and the gorgeous ocean painting in that room.This was the first stop on a Sweet-art trip with my husband to celebrate Valentine's Day weekend.

The Hunter is a first rate museum by any standard, but for a small city the size of Chattanooga, it is extraordinary. I loved both the original mansion and the newer additions, the history behind the founding of the museum, but most of all the fantastic collection. It is curated to appeal to all; with interactive aspects and labeling for the lay person. Of special interest are the Albert Paley gates and fences on the terrace, and works by Grandma Moses, Mary Cassat, Jacob Lawrence, Maurice Prendergast, as well as artists working in wood, glass and many other mediums. Really a world class museum. Don't miss it.

I attended with two of my grandchildren ...had heard very positive comments. Everything the NY Times does is first class. This limited time exhibit was outstanding. Do not miss it!!

Visiting any public art gallery has something for the visitor to enjoy and endure, and the Hunter is typical in that respect. I appreciate that all the art is by American artists, not because I'm a chauvinist, but it gives the collection a focus to follow throughout the galleries and celebrates local talent with no apology. (Would that American symphonies could hire American music directors. But no: they have to have exotic, foreign-born credentials. "Bob Smith, Music Director"? I think not. But I digress...) The architecture is an interesting survey on one site of changing notions of what constitutes satisfying the public (and donors) . So the original building was the Mr. Hunter's home which he donated along with his art collection. In the '70s, the concrete wing was added to one side (there's a good reason the style is called Brutalist), very different from the original house. And then, to show that high art is spiritually worthy, the latest wing went out on the other side (channeling Frank Gehry, even though he isn't dead yet). And all the usual suspects are installed (realism, impressionism, and what-is-that-supposed-to-be?-ism.) My favorite: the glass human female "cocoon" in the '70s wing. Remarkable on many levels. The museum is free on the first Sunday of every month. No café on site, but just as well: you should go to Rembrandts Coffee House a short block away, a Chattanooga attraction worth a visit all by itself.

As a museum and art enthusiast, I must say I have never spent more than three hours viewing. The exhibits extended to all tastes and preferences. What set them apart not only from the diversity of exhibits, is interactive stops along the way. Examples include a reading room, a sketching station, and numerous stops along the way. It is not only a great display of art of all mediums, but lessons of history as well. Currently on display are photographs from many decades of The New York Times, documenting much of life experiences we all have witnessed. Great location and informative curators are available.