Sitting high atop a ledge overlooking the Tennessee river in Chattanooga is the Hunter Museum of American Art. I've visited Chattanooga several times before and look forward to coming back before I even leave each time. Each visit I admire the museum from afar but wanted to explore it up close and personal this time. The flowing exterior of the main building was designed by Randall Stout and Associates of Los Angeles and is such a dominant feature of the entire sweeping panorama that is the River Front. The building seemed to take on multiple forms throughout the day as the light came in from different angles and caused highlights and shadows to dance across its beautiful exterior of what looks to me like brushed aluminum.
Inside the museum itself is divided into three sections. The main 21st century flowing building, the beautifully southern Mansion and the 70's era modern building. Looking at the three from the outside each seem to be their own unique and separate entity yet from the inside they are beautifully connected with works of art that carry you from one era to the next. From paintings and mixed media works to sculptures and photographs there's really something for every taste. As a photographer of course I appreciate good lighting and every exhibit is thoughtfully and subtly lit. Unobtrusive and never overbearing, each work is bathed is a subtle and gentle light that accentuates each piece and is quite flattering.
I hope to spend a little more time here on my next visit. I didn't allot myself enough time to really sit and take it all in as I would have liked to before they closed but definitely plan to next time. If you ever find yourself in Chattanooga, do yourself a favor and spend some time exploring this wonderful museum. It's definitely worth the time and money!