The renowned Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum is embarking on an exciting new chapter, moving from its original Station Street location to a more prominent and accessible space at 212 W. Main Street in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This move marks a significant step forward for the museum, bringing its celebrated collection of guitars and dedication to music education to the heart of Chattanooga’s vibrant Main Street. The new venue, situated across from the popular Feed Co., promises to enhance the Songbirds experience for both long-time fans and new visitors alike.
After establishing itself as a cornerstone of the Station Street revitalization, Songbirds is eager to unveil its new home in spring 2024. The Main Street location, previously a private event space, will now open its doors to the public, offering an expanded experience complete with a full commercial kitchen, dual bars, dedicated exhibit areas, and a welcoming outdoor patio. While embracing this public-facing evolution, Songbirds will continue to host private events, concerts, and its signature rotating music history exhibits that have captivated audiences for years. Enthusiasts can get an early glimpse of the new venue during this year’s MainX24 event, where Songbirds will offer a sneak peek and karaoke sessions. The Station Street location will officially close on December 23, 2023, making way for the grand opening on Main Street.
“The decision to relocate was not taken lightly. Songbirds has been integral to Station Street’s growth since our inception. It’s remarkable to recall when the area was essentially undeveloped as we began building the museum in 2015,” reflects Executive Director Reed Caldwell. “We are immensely proud of our team’s contributions to the area and the Southside neighborhood. However, this move to Main Street represents a strategic progression. The new space is truly a hidden gem, and we are thrilled to soon share it with the wider community.”
This relocation is both a proactive and reactive measure. While Songbirds envisioned a more accessible and expansive location, the inability to reach a mutually agreeable lease renewal with Northpond Partners, the current owners of the Choo-Choo Complex, accelerated the search for a new home.
“Accessibility is a key advantage of this move,” Caldwell emphasizes. “Being situated at ground level on historic Main Street will significantly increase our visibility and welcome a broader audience, including students. The Songbirds Foundation’s core mission is music education, and we believe this new headquarters will greatly enhance our ability to deliver these vital services.”
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Alt text: The exterior of the Songbirds Guitar Museum building on Station Street in Chattanooga, Tennessee, showcasing its original location.
The Songbirds Foundation’s commitment to music education is exemplified through programs like Guitars for Kids, which has flourished across nine states, donating over 4,000 guitars to underserved students. Looking ahead, Songbirds is developing innovative educational initiatives, including a mobile STEAM learning unit, the launch of the Songwriters in Schools program within Hamilton County Schools, further expansion of Guitars for Kids into new states, and the strengthening of its music therapy program.
To encourage the public to experience the Station Street venue one last time, Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum is offering discounted admission starting October 4, 2023, until its closure on December 23, 2023. Reduced rates are set at $10 for adults, and admission is free for children under 17 accompanied by an adult. All scheduled concerts will proceed as planned, and current exhibits, featuring Dolly Parton and Richard Lloyd, will remain on display until the relocation.
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Alt text: A vibrant display of vintage and rare guitars exhibited within the Chattanooga Songbirds Guitar Museum, highlighting the museum’s extensive collection.
“If you haven’t yet visited Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum or explored our remarkable guitar collection, now is the perfect opportunity,” urges Caldwell. “We cherish our time on Station Street and will miss it, but the future at our new Main Street location is incredibly promising.”
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Alt text: The historic facade of a building on Main Street in Chattanooga, Tennessee, representing the new location of the Songbirds Guitar Museum.
Don’t miss the chance to experience the legacy of Songbirds at its Station Street location and anticipate the grand opening of the Chattanooga Songbirds Guitar Museum on Main Street in Spring 2024. This move signifies not just a change of address, but an exciting evolution for a beloved Chattanooga institution dedicated to celebrating music and guitar history.
