Herman Walldorf & Co. is a proud patron of the arts in Chattanooga. The city is home to the Chattanooga Little Theatre, the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Association, The Hunter Museum, The Houston Museum, the Chattanooga Regional History Museum and the Chattanooga Arts Council.

African American Heritage Museum & Bessie Smith Hall

Located downtown, this museum traces the history of African Americans from the slaves in the area from the Civil War times to the present. The museum also features Bessie Smith who danced and sang for change on the streets of Chattanooga, joined Ma Railley’s traveling jazz band in the ’20s, and became enormously popular in the ’30s as the “Empress of the Blues.” For more information, call 423-267-1076.

Bluff View Art District

Located in a quiet renovated downtown residential area, the Bluff View Art District features bed and breakfast accommodations, restaurants, a coffee shop, sculpture garden, art gallery and working artists studios, all within walking distance of the Aquarium. For more information, call 423-267-7353.

Creative Discovery Museum

This hands-on arts and sciences museum promotes learning and discovery through sight, sound and exploration. Hours: Daily 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. May – August. September – April open Tuesday -Sunday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Creative Arts Museum is located downtown near the Aquarium. For more information, call 423-756-2738

The Houston Museum

Located in the historical Bluff View Arts District, the Houston Museum houses a fine collection of 18th and 19th century decorative arts, antiques, ceramics, glass, and pitchers from the private collection of Anna Safley Houston. Hours vary by season. For more information, call 423-267-7176.

Hunter Museum of Art

Perched on the cliffs of the great Tennessee River in one of Chattanooga’s most historic grand homes, the Hunter Museum houses one of the most important collections of American art in the Southeast. The Hunter Museum of Art is located in the Bluff View Art District. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. -4:30 p.m.; Sunday 1-4:30 p.m. Admission: $3. For more information, call 423-265-0695.

International Towing & Recovery Museum

The first automobile tow truck was a 1904 Cadillac towing car converted to a tow truck. Located downtown near the Aquarium, the museum displays an array of gorgeous restored antique tow trucks from this century. Kids and adults love it! For more information, call 423-267-0968.