After years at its Station Street address, the renowned Songbirds Guitar Museum is tuning up for a significant change. The museum, a celebrated hub for music enthusiasts and guitar aficionados, is relocating to 212 W. Main Street in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This move marks an exciting new chapter for the Songbirds Guitar Museum, promising an enhanced experience for visitors and a fresh platform for its acclaimed programs.
The current location at Station Street will officially close its doors on December 23, 2023. However, fans won’t have to wait long to experience the new Main Street venue, as Songbirds plans to celebrate the MainX24 festival at the new location, offering a sneak peek and karaoke fun. The grand opening of the reimagined Songbirds Guitar Museum on Main Street is slated for Spring 2024, promising a revitalized space ready to welcome music lovers.
Executive Director Reed Caldwell expressed the bittersweet feelings associated with leaving Station Street, acknowledging the museum’s foundational role in the area’s revitalization. “The decision to move was a difficult one. We have been an anchor on Station Street from the very beginning,” Caldwell stated. He highlighted the transformation of Station Street since Songbirds’ inception in 2015, evolving from a “dirt alley” into a vibrant part of the Southside neighborhood. Despite the attachment to their original home, Caldwell emphasized the strategic advantages of the Main Street location, describing it as “the coolest hidden spot in town” and expressing enthusiasm for sharing it with a wider audience.
The relocation was influenced by the inability to reach a lease agreement with Northpond Partners, the current owners of the Choo-Choo Complex. However, this shift is also seen as a strategic upgrade, especially concerning accessibility. Caldwell pointed out the enhanced visibility and ease of access the Main Street location offers. “One of the most exciting parts about this move is accessibility,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of being on ground level on historic Main Street. This improved accessibility aims to draw in a broader range of visitors, including students, aligning with the Songbirds Foundation’s core mission of music education.
[Image of various guitars on display in a museum setting]
The Songbirds Guitar Museum’s commitment to music education is further exemplified through its Guitars for Kids program. This impactful initiative has already distributed over 4,000 guitars to underserved students across nine states. Looking ahead, Songbirds is expanding its educational outreach with plans for a mobile STEAM learning unit, the launch of the Songwriters in Schools program within Hamilton County Schools, further expansion of Guitars for Kids to more states, and a strengthened music therapy program. The move to Main Street is expected to amplify these educational efforts, providing a more accessible and central location for these vital community programs.
To give everyone a final opportunity to experience the Station Street venue, Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum is offering discounted admission starting October 4, 2023, until its closure on December 23, 2023. During this period, adult tickets will be reduced to $10, and children under 17 accompanied by an adult will be admitted for free. Current exhibits, including showcases on Dolly Parton and Richard Lloyd, will remain on display until the Station Street closing. Caldwell urged the public to take advantage of this opportunity: “If you haven’t been to Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum yet or seen our awesome collection guitars, now’s your chance.”
[Image of the exterior of a building on Main Street, Chattanooga]
While bidding farewell to Station Street, Songbirds Guitar Museum is eagerly anticipating its future on Main Street. The new venue, boasting a full commercial kitchen, two bars, exhibit space, and an outdoor patio, is poised to become a premier destination for private events, concerts, and, of course, rotating music history exhibits centered around their unparalleled guitar collection. The move to Main Street is not just a change of address; it’s a strategic evolution designed to enhance the museum’s accessibility, expand its educational reach, and solidify its position as a cornerstone of Chattanooga’s vibrant cultural landscape. The Songbirds Guitar Museum is ready to strike a new chord on Main Street, and the community is invited to join the symphony.
