Explore the Rich Heritage at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center

Getting There

• Car

  If you are driving from anywhere in the Chattanooga Riverfront area, head southeast on Riverfront Parkway. Turn left onto E M L King Blvd. Continue for about 0.5 miles, and you will find the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum at 200 E M L King Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37403. There is street parking available nearby, but be aware that some areas may require payment. Check for parking meters or signs indicating parking fees.

• Public Transportation

  To reach the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum using public transportation, locate the nearest bus stop on the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) route. Take the bus heading towards downtown Chattanooga and get off at the bus stop on E M L King Blvd. The museum is a short walk from the bus stop, approximately 0.2 miles. Look for the signs on the bus indicating stops or use a transportation app to track the bus route and schedule. The fare for a single ride is $1.50, and you may need exact change or a transportation card.

• Walking

  If you are already in the downtown area, you can easily walk to the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and Chattanooga African American Museum. From the Tennessee Aquarium, head east on Aquarium Way, then turn left onto 4th Street. Follow 4th Street until you reach E M L King Blvd, then turn right. Continue on E M L King Blvd for about 0.3 miles, and you will see the museum on your left. This walk is approximately 15 minutes and is a pleasant route with views of the river and nearby attractions.