Hunter Museum of American Art

Purpose: Supporting Lifelong Learning The Hunter Museum of American Art will complete its renovation with the reinstallation and reinterpretation of the permanent collection. This project is part of a $19.5 million expansion and renovation project that is itself part of Chattanooga's $120 million 21st Century Waterfront Plan. This community collaboration is a public/private partnership that includes the Hunter, the Tennessee Aquarium, the Creative Discovery Museum, and the City of Chattanooga. All projects are scheduled to be completed by May 2005. Elements of the reinstallation include an introductory gallery that will set the tone for a new kind of visitor experience, in-gallery interactive devices and furnishings, and audio guides. This large-scale project is part of the museum's overall strategic plan to provide engaging gallery spaces where active visitors can use the facilities and programming to broaden their understanding of art and American history and increase their potential for personal growth. These learning tools will empower visitors to become responsive viewers at the Hunter and in all future encounters with the arts. This project will create the framework for changing interpretive messages and creating opportunities for visitors to respond to works of art. The skills they learn can be transferred to lifelong learning proficiency in any area.