Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum

A Powerful and Personal Cultural Experience The Bessie Smith Cultural Center is an incredible place that showcases the deep and vibrant history of African Americans in Chattanooga. What made my visit especially unforgettable was the chance to meet artist Bobby Puryear, whose work is featured in the gallery. He graciously shared the story and meaning behind his piece, offering a powerful perspective on its historical roots and personal significance. The center is thoughtfully curated, and the staff were friendly and passionate about the space. It’s more than just a museum , it’s a living tribute to culture, creativity, and community. A must-visit if you’re in Chattanooga.

I took 2 groups of 100 students, and it was AMAZING! I'm not a Chattanooga native and I learned so much about the history of the city. I honestly think anyone visiting Chattanooga should take an hour out of their trip and visit here!

The tour guide was excellent. He was able to communicate the back stories to the museum's extra-ordinary exhibits. I went with my family as part of the Barber family reunion's Saturday activities. I wanted to stay longer and read all the exhibits' placards. I highly recommend you visit this museum.

Great local history and sharing of black history and artifacts.

The journey they have setup from slavery to the present day is very informative. Watching the musical video featuring various artists from the Chattanooga area was nicely done.

I was on a field trip and we were there we got in for free out of generosity they were great the museum was beautiful it was so intriguing to see history in so many different forms they had a section based on historically black people who were musicians it was so cool it had an usher mini section

While on a research trip I included the Bessie Smith Cultural Center as I passed through Chattanooga. I was so pleasantly surprised at the overall high quality of this exhibit. The timeline, layout, and flow is superb. You start with the Indians on the Trail of Tears accompanied by African Americans and end with Critical Race Theory. You can not get more inclusive than that. The flow of the timeline is logical and natural. The quantity and quality of the displays are great. I took several pics of “learn more” opportunities which I’ve already begun to research. Bring the kids, there is an interactive children area. There is also ample area to sit as you pass through and several video displays to watch. My chance to rest a moment, awesome. At the end there is an African tribal mask display and video as a bonus. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. Parking is free but there isn’t a ton of it. Pay street parking is all around. I recommend a walk down MLK to enjoy the many murals. The staff was superb and informative. BSCC could be a destination for your family without a doubt!

To the Big 9 Festival......live music PLEASE! Other than that, it was beautiful. Nice visit

Visiting the Bessie Smith Cultural Center was a spectacular experience! As a native Chattanoogan, I had never had the pleasure of attending before, but my visit today blowed me away! This museum and performance hall features a beautiful array of Chattanooga Black history as well as showcasing the wealth of Black musical talent that has hailed from this wonderful city, including Bessie Smith herself! Each exhibit features tangible artifacts alongside highly informative digital displays with written information, as well as short documentaries playing in select areas. Mr. Elijah was our tour guide and he held a wealth of knowledge about the origination of the area, beginning with the Indigenous peoples that lived in the area, progressing through time. The galleries he led us through featured Chattanooga's greatest African-American movers and shakers, prominent entrepreneurs, important local historical events, and much more! I highly recommend anyone who loves Black history and loves Chattanooga to pay a visit to this powerful and inspiring establishment of historical and cultural celebration!

Had a chance to visit here twice in 2 days. The first day was learning more about Bessie Smith by viewing the posters and artwork within the center and reading about the different people she came across in her life from other artist to friends and family all the way up until her death. I learned some things about her that I did not know which raised my interest. I actually want to see the movie that Queen Latifah stared in as the performer Bessie Smith. The next evening was to celebrate my cousins wedding renewal ceremony which was catered in the large banquet room. Included was a live dj and several banquet tables and plenty of dance floor room. The bar was also utilized to serve drinks. The restrooms were clean and there was plenty of free parking in their lot for a location right downtown.

I love Bessie Smith and I loved this museum. It was absolutely amazing all the accomplishments of African Americans over the years. As an African American you feel so proud of all the accomplishments.

Off the beaten path I discovered this gem. From the African tribal masks to the pictures and stories of the African American community in Chattanooga I never want to miss an opportunity to see history! I happened to visit during a local groups tour. The presenter urged each Chattanoogain there to tell "their" story so that the city's history won't be lost. Made me want to search my ancestry.

The Bessie Smith CC houses a collection of African artifacts, photographs, musical recordings, and other historical pieces. It also houses some videos, photographs, and memorabilia relating to the famous blues singer Bessie Smith, known as Empress of the Blues. It's a small collection, but ti's worth a visit - if only to see the very interesting photographs of African American neighborhoods and life in early Chattanooga! An interesting stop if you're visiting Chattanooga!

Take the $14 dollars you would spend on two people to walk through this two room exhibit, set $10 of those dollars on fire, use $4 to buy yourself a pity ice cream and and that will still be more fun than visiting this over-priced, underwhelming cultural center. In their defense, we did not have a specific destination in mind, we were happy to explore any museum we happened upon in Chattanooga...but this was pathetic. I only hope that money went toward expanding a better exhibit.

This place is amazingly huge and beautiful. Just visiting Chattanooga and my cousin was having her 14th Wedding renewal here. The place is gorgeous, I love the expose high ceilings and the wood floors. There is amazing art work and photos of the Great Bessie Smith, I love it. Also from what I heard the rate is reasonable and we were able to stay late in to the night jamming away. There's enough for over 100 guest easily and to have the ceremony all in one area. The area surrounding the hall is amazing and they even have their own private parking so no worries there. Loke I said its an amazing hall space, check it out!