Songbirds: Chattanooga's Revamped Interactive Music Museum and Live Venue
Tennessee is home to countless songbirds, but Chattanooga's transformed Songbirds stands out as an innovative interactive space celebrating the state's vibrant musical heritage. During the day, guests dive into the art and science of music through rotating hands-on exhibits inspired by STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). By night, it becomes a dynamic live music venue with two stages hosting concerts and special events.
History of Songbirds
Launched in 2016 as a nonprofit, Songbirds was founded with a mission to share 'the transformative experience of music in eastern Tennessee' through education, history preservation, enriching events, and support for emerging artists. 'Over the years, the foundation has donated thousands of guitars to local schools and provided cognitive music therapy for children with disabilities or critical illnesses,' shares Songbirds Foundation Executive Director Reed Caldwell.
Songbirds also boasts an impressive guitar collection curated by vintage expert and original museum curator David Davidson. Once housing the world's largest private vintage guitar collection, the museum paused for a year-long renovation before reopening as an interactive destination where visitors can not only admire rare instruments but actively engage in music-making.
The revamped Songbirds opened in September 2021 at the historic Chattanooga Terminal Station, now part of the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel and entertainment complex—famous from Glenn Miller's 1941 hit song.
The Songbirds Vintage Guitar Collection
Featuring over 500 iconic vintage guitars—though slightly scaled back from its record-breaking origins—the collection includes treasures like Duane Allman's 1961 Gibson Les Paul SG, Bo Diddley's 1965 Fender Jazzmaster, Loretta Lynn's 1968 Gibson ES175D, and Merle Travis' 1969 Gibson Super 400CES.
Staff frequently invite visitors to play these gems, such as Chuck Berry's 1967 Gibson ES-355TD-SV or Carl Wilson's 1967 Epiphone Riviera. Complementing the guitars are exhibits on Chattanooga's musical legacy and local artists' contributions to American music.
With a strong educational emphasis, Songbirds is ideal for families. Interactive audio/video displays and STEAM exhibits explore the instruments, their legendary players, and the science of electric guitars, recording, and amplification. Teens especially enjoy experimenting with amp settings, discovering how wood types influence tone, and peering inside microphones.
Live Music Performances and Vault Sessions
Songbirds hosts weekly concerts in a cozy 250-person venue with a custom red oak and ash stage, with proceeds supporting the Guitars for Kids program that has inspired thousands of young musicians. Unable to visit? Explore Vault Sessions, an online video series featuring the museum's rare guitars paired with renowned artists and historians.
Tickets
Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for children. Live music events require separate tickets, available in advance via the Songbirds Foundation website. Visit the site for the event calendar.
Nearby Restaurants
Fuel up at Chattanooga Choo Choo's on-site spots. Try American Draft in a restored train car for self-pour local drafts. Stroll through Glenn Miller Gardens afterward. Other recommendations: Frothy Monkey, St. John's Meeting Place, STIR.
