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

Songbook: Jill Scott

Event Dates:  Sunday, Jun. 24th 2012

After taking a small break in May for A Night to Remember the Songbook series returns with Songbook: Jill Scott. Songbook: Jill Scott will feature Kim Flemming, April Rucker and Lo Carter …

Bessie Smith Strut, still going strong on the Big 9!

Event Dates:  Monday, Jun. 11th 2012

This one day event is a collaboration between Riverbend Festival and the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, features blues bands, barbecue, beer and access to a variety of nightclubs all on Marti…

10×10 at the Bessie

Event Dates:  Friday, Apr. 20th 2012

When artists from all over the region converge on Chattanooga April 13-22, making the city their working studio, 10 "artifacts" will headline the exhibition. These large-scale, site-specific…

Student Exhibition: History Makers

Event Dates:  Thursday, Feb. 16th 2012

In January, Nicelle Price, art teacher at Howard School of Academics and Technology, decided to challenge her students with a special project commemorating Black History Month. She asked the…

Sing Mahalia Sing

Event Dates:  Sunday, Oct. 23rd 2011

The Bessie Smith Cultural Center and The Creative Underground proudly presents a centennial birthday celebration of the life and music of Mahalia Jackson in “Sing, Mahalia, Sing” A Go…

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

“No Crystal Stair” solo exhibition by Charlotte Riley-Webb

Artist Statement: "Transitioning into Abstract art after many years of establishing my career as a representational a…

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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!

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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