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Public Space Improvements

The spring of 2005 marked the completion of the city's much-anticipated 21st Century Waterfront Plan. Included in this project is the enhancement to 129 acres of public space, featuring the creation of a vast public green space next to the Tennessee Aquarium, a city pier extending over the river and a pedestrian bridge connecting the museum and the city. Combined with expansions to the Hunter Museum of American Art and the Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga's Waterfront Plan is destined to add to the allure of one of the country's most vibrant cities.

Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium's new 60,000-square-foot, $30 million Ocean Journey building enhances the original Aquarium experience and added 650,000 gallons of saltwater to what is currently the world's largest freshwater aquarium. The centerpiece of the new Ocean Journey building features a replica of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, a unique coral reef system in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf exhibit is surrounded by smaller galleries featuring unusual creatures like cuttlefish, squid, crabs and jellyfish, as well as a lush tropical beach with 100 feet of shoreline.

Hunter Museum of American Art

Already considered one of the country's finest art museums, the Hunter Museum of American Art unveiled its latest improvements in spring 2005. Visitors will not only be enveloped by the river view from the museum's newly renovated lobby, they'll also enjoy a new café, gift shop, auditorium and art studios. Art lovers will also appreciate a new outdoor sculpture park and studio classes where visitors can create their own art.


Public Art

The riverfront serves as the canvas to three unique public art displays. The public art project at the Passage features a permanent public art installation by contemporary Native American artists. The river pier design highlights a series of 11 40-foot stainless steel light masts that illuminate the pedestrian way. The First Street Project includes a sculpture garden, a canopy and pavers imbedded in the sidewalk to visually enhance the space as well as serve as an entryway/gateway to the site.

You'll find a wealth of activities in the city of Chattanooga and the surrounding region. The Chattanoogan often partners with some of the biggest attractions to create memorable vacation packages. Sign up to receive email updates and we'll keep you informed.