Bessie Smith Cultural Center of Chattanooga

Address: 200 East M L King Boulevard. Chattanooga, TN 37403  -  Phone: (423) 266-8658

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Featured News & Events

Valentine’s Day at the Bessie

Event Dates:  Saturday, Feb. 14th 2015

You don't want to miss this extravagant night at the the Bessie!! Bring that special someone to a Valentine's Night you won't forget. Take in the feel good sounds of  Rick Rushing & the…

A Cast of Blues

Event Dates:  Jan. 28th 2015 – Mar. 16th 2015

Blues music was born in Mississippi, came of age in Chicago, and went on to inspire generations of rock and rollers, ranging from the British invasion of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones t…

Crossings a new exhibition by James McKissic

Event Dates:  Jan. 12th 2013 – Mar. 2nd 2013

"Crossings" a new exhibition by artist James McKissic will be on display at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center in the Museum gallery through March 2, 2013. Artist Statement: My work is born o…

Backstage with Louis Armstrong

Event Dates:  Friday, Jan. 18th 2013

The UTC Music Department in collaboration with Bessie Smith Cultural Center will present Backstage with Louis Armstrong, featuring guest vocalist Danny Mullen. The performance will take plac…

Sneak peak of “Negro Spirituals” – A Solo exhibition by Aaron Henderson

Event Dates:  Mar. 11th 2013 – May. 4th 2013

Negro Spiritual Narrative: I have always known the spirits and they know me. The first generation of enslaved Africans brought to America had to fight to hold on to their sense of God.…

Friends of African American Art

Event Dates:  Saturday, Jan. 1st 2011

About Friends of African American Art: Friends of African American Art is an interest group formed by the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and the Hunter Museum of American Art for art lovers…

“The Bessie” Event Photos!

Posted:  Tuesday, Feb. 15th 2011 – 12:39pm

An Intimate Evening with Avery*Sunshine …

Current Exhibit

Blood Rhythms, Strange Fruit

Blood Rhythms, Strange Fruit is the latest exhibition from artist Charlotte Riley-Webb that will be on display at the Be…

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Welcome to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center

Located in the mecca of Chattanooga, TN, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center is a Chattanooga landmark and an educational resource that enriches the cultural life of visitors through renowned artistic exhibits, high quality musical events and performances, and historical educational and cultural programs.

Discover culture, history, art, and entertainment at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center!

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center is a funded agency of ArtsBuild.

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We depend on the generous contributions of our members and supporters to continue the important work of collecting and preserving African American history.

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Museum Hours

Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Noon to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Closed

Admission Information