CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE — Get ready, music lovers! The renowned Songbirds Guitar Museum, a cornerstone of Chattanooga’s cultural scene, is tuning up for a significant relocation. After establishing itself as a vibrant attraction on Station Street, Songbirds is harmonizing a move to a new, more accessible venue at 212 W. Main Street, directly across from the popular Feed Co. restaurant. This exciting transition marks a new chapter for the museum, promising an enhanced experience for visitors and a broader reach for its music education initiatives. For years, the Main Street location has been a private event space, and Songbirds is thrilled to unveil its doors to the public, adding another gem to Chattanooga’s thriving Main Street scene. The new space is equipped with impressive amenities, including a full commercial kitchen, two bar areas, dedicated exhibit space, and a welcoming outdoor patio, ensuring it will continue to be a sought-after destination for private events, live concerts, and captivating rotating exhibits showcasing music history.
The curtain will close on the Station Street location on December 23, 2023, as Songbirds prepares for its grand reopening on Main Street in Spring 2024. Enthusiasts eager for a sneak peek are invited to join Songbirds at the new Main Street location during this year’s MainX24 event, where they can experience the new venue firsthand and even participate in some karaoke fun.
“Deciding to move was not an easy decision. We’ve been a foundational part of Station Street since the beginning. Back in 2015, when we started developing Songbirds, this street was essentially just a dirt alley,” explained Executive Director Reed Caldwell. “We’ve come a long way and played a vital role in revitalizing this street and the Southside neighborhood. Our team is incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished. However, the time has come for us to move forward. This new Main Street location is already a fantastic hidden gem in Chattanooga, and we’re excited to share it with everyone!”
This strategic move is also a response to external factors, as Songbirds was unable to reach a mutually agreeable lease renewal with Northpond Partners, the Chicago-based firm that acquired the Choo-Choo Complex in 2021.
“One of the most appealing aspects of this move is improved accessibility,” Caldwell emphasized. “We are looking forward to being at street level on historic Main Street, making it easier for more people to visit – not only those attending concerts and private events but also students. The Songbirds Foundation’s core mission has always been music education, and we believe our new headquarters will allow us to deliver these services even more effectively.”
The museum’s commitment to music education is evident through its Guitars for Kids program, which has expanded its reach to nine states and gifted over 4,000 guitars to underserved students. Looking ahead, Songbirds is developing ambitious educational initiatives, including a mobile STEAM learning unit, launching the Songwriters in Schools program within Hamilton County Schools, expanding Guitars for Kids to even more states, and strengthening its music therapy program.
Starting October 4, 2023, the Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum on Station Street will offer reduced admission rates as a farewell celebration at its original location. These special prices are:
- $10 for adults
- Free for children under 17 accompanied by a paying adult
All previously scheduled concerts at the Station Street venue will proceed as planned. The museum’s current exhibits, featuring Dolly Parton and Richard Lloyd, will remain on display until the Station Street location closes its doors on December 23, 2023. “If you haven’t experienced Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum yet, or seen our incredible guitar collection, now is the perfect opportunity,” Caldwell encouraged. “We’ve had an amazing journey here on Station Street, and while we’ll miss it, we are incredibly enthusiastic about our future at our new Main Street home.”
