The transformation of Chattanooga’s riverfront included the Tennessee Aquarium, the Creative Discovery Museum, and the Hunter Museum of American Art. Revitalization of the riverfront area was made possible by the generosity of the citizens of Chattanooga. Pieces included in the museum were all related to the history of America ranging from the colonial era to contemporary exhibits. Some of the older artwork begins in the Hunter Mansion, which has been repurposed to be a part of the museum. Furniture, sculptures, portraits, dishware, and much more are displayed within the museum. It is notable to mention that the artwork also incorporates Native Americans alongside the colonization artwork. Each piece tells a story and often represents a significant event in United States history.
One of the main goals of the museum is to educate. The museum provides an opportunity to develop a better understanding of American history and to learn more about American today as well. Artwork representing the struggles of African Americans is also incorporated in the museum. The pieces are very powerful as they tell the story of some of the darkest times in American history. Pictured below is a piece titled Stowage, created by African American artist, Willie Cole. Cole’s inspiration stems from a diagram of a slave ship he found in a schoolbook. To create the piece, Cole cut different shapes into wooden planks that comprise the work and incorporate twelve unique irons. Each iron represents a tribe along the African coast that may have traveled in the slave vessel. The iron on the central plank represents the ship itself.
One of the main goals of the museum is to educate. The museum provides an opportunity to develop a better understanding of American history and to learn more about American today as well. Artwork representing the struggles of African Americans is also incorporated in the museum. The pieces are very powerful as they tell the story of some of the darkest times in American history. Pictured below is a piece titled Stowage, created by African American artist, Willie Cole. Cole’s inspiration stems from a diagram of a slave ship he found in a schoolbook. To create the piece, Cole cut different shapes into wooden planks that comprise the work and incorporate twelve unique irons. Each iron represents a tribe along the African coast that may have traveled in the slave vessel. The iron on the central plank represents the ship itself.
Stowage by Willie Cole
Finally, the museum incorporates exhibits that change every couple of months. An exhibit called New Media, New Millennium was on display from February 9th to April 29th. The exhibit explored the relationship between humans and technology. In particular, the exhibit looked at the impact that technology has on everyday tasks like communication. New Media, New Millennium was a very powerful composition of work.
Hunter Mansion
Photo Credit: Dr. Ezra Zeitler
Vegetable Pickers, Migrants, Waiting to be Paid, Near Homestead, Florida, Feb. 1939 by Marion Post Wilcott
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Ruth Gleaning by Randolph Rogers
Martin Luther Kind Jr. by John Woodrow Wilson
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Photo Credit: Zach Fischer
Photo Credit: Zach Fischer
Lookout Mountain by Currier and Ives
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