Chattanooga’s beloved Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum is harmonizing a new chapter in its history, announcing a relocation from its original Station Street address to a fresh venue at 212 W. Main Street. This exciting move positions the renowned Guitar Museum Chattanooga Tennessee in the heart of Main Street, directly opposite the popular Feed Co. eatery, and marks the opening of a previously private, hidden gem to the wider public. The new Main Street location, boasting a professional-grade kitchen, dual bar areas, ample exhibit space, and a welcoming outdoor patio, is poised to amplify its offerings, continuing to host private events, captivating concerts, and its signature rotating music history exhibits.
The curtain will close on the Station Street venue on December 23, 2023. Music lovers and guitar museum chattanooga tennessee enthusiasts can anticipate the grand opening of the Main Street location in Spring 2024. Eager fans can get a sneak peek of the new space and even enjoy some karaoke during this year’s MainX24 event, held at the new venue.
Executive Director Reed Caldwell reflected on the transition, stating, “The decision to move was not taken lightly. We’ve been a cornerstone of Station Street since day one. Back in 2015, when we started building the Songbirds museum, the street was essentially a dirt alley. We’ve come a long way, contributing to the revitalization of the street and the Southside neighborhood, and our team’s accomplishments fill me with pride. However, the time has come for us to move forward. The new Main Street location is truly a hidden gem, and we are thrilled to unveil it to the public!”
This strategic relocation is also a proactive response to circumstances, 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.
Caldwell emphasized the enhanced accessibility of the new site: “One of the most exciting aspects of this move is accessibility. We’re eager to be situated at ground level on historic Main Street, making it easier for more people to walk through our doors. This includes not only concert-goers and private event clients but also students. The Songbirds Foundation’s core mission has always been music education, and we believe our new headquarters will significantly improve our ability to deliver these vital services.” This commitment cements Songbirds’ position as not just a guitar museum in chattanooga tennessee, but also a vital community resource.
The museum’s dedication to music education is further exemplified by the Guitars for Kids program, which has expanded its reach to nine states, gifting over 4,000 guitars to underserved students. Looking ahead, Songbirds is developing a mobile STEAM learning unit, planning to launch the Songwriters in Schools program within Hamilton County Schools, and aiming to extend the Guitars for Kids initiative to even more states, alongside strengthening its music therapy program. These initiatives highlight Songbirds’ comprehensive approach to music and its role beyond simply being a guitar museum chattanooga tennessee.
Starting October 4, 2023, the Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum on Station Street is offering discounted admission to encourage visitors to experience the venue one last time in its current form. Reduced prices are $10 for adults and free for children under 17 when accompanied by an adult. All scheduled concerts will proceed as planned, and current exhibits, including features on Dolly Parton and Richard Lloyd, will remain on display until the museum’s closure on December 23, 2023, as preparations for the move get underway. “If you haven’t yet visited Songbirds Guitar & Pop Culture Museum to see our incredible collection of guitars, now is your opportunity,” Caldwell urged. “We’ve had a fantastic run on Station Street, and while we’ll miss it, our future at our new Main Street home is incredibly bright, promising an even better experience for everyone interested in the guitar museum chattanooga tennessee and its mission.”
