A Rich History
Perched along the Tennessee River, Chattanooga's Bluff View Art District is a captivating enclave of art, history, and cultural gems. Established in the early 1990s by Dr. Charles and Mary Portera, this district has transformed from a collection of historic buildings into a vibrant arts community, preserving historic architecture and showcasing the best of local and regional artistry.
River Gallery and Sculpture Garden
One of the district's main attractions, the River Gallery, features an exquisite collection of fine arts and crafts. Visitors can admire paintings, sculptures, ceramics, and jewelry created by talented artists from near and far. Adjacent to the gallery, the Sculpture Garden (free entry) offers a peaceful two-acre space with a rotating exhibit of 20th and 21st-century sculptures. Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, it's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
Bluff View Inn
For a unique lodging experience, stay at the Bluff View Inn. This charming inn spans three historic homes, each with its distinct character. The Maclellan House, built in 1889, is an English Tudor-style home featuring a romantic honeymoon suite and scenic river views. The Martin House, dating back to 1927, is a Colonial Revival residence adorned with antique furnishings and a spacious veranda. Lastly, the T.C. Thompson House, constructed in 1908, is a Victorian-style home with cozy rooms and picturesque mountain views.
Rembrandt's Coffee House
A visit to the Bluff View Art District isn't complete without stopping by Rembrandt's Coffee House. This European-style café is renowned for its hand-crafted pastries, artisanal breads, and house-roasted coffee. Whether you choose to enjoy a full menu of salads, sandwiches, and breakfast items indoors or on the charming outdoor patio, Rembrandt's offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Tony's Pasta Shop and Trattoria
Tony's Pasta Shop serves up authentic Italian cuisine in the former carriage house of the T.C. Thompson House. With a focus on hand-made pasta, scratch-made sauces, and fresh, local ingredients, Tony's provides a delightful dining experience. Tony's menu caters to all tastes, whether you're in the mood for a hearty pasta dish or a light salad.
Bluff View Events and Herb Garden
Bluff View Events offers unique indoor and outdoor venues perfect for weddings, parties, and corporate events. Their in-house catering and full bar services ensure a seamless and memorable event. The district also boasts an herb and vegetable garden, supplying fresh produce like basil, eggplant, lettuce, and kale to its establishments.
Rembrandt's Roasting Company and Bluff View Bakery
At Rembrandt's Roasting Company, small-batch roasting ensures the freshest coffee for Rembrandt's Coffee House and local restaurants. Additionally, Bluff View Bakery produces artisanal bread daily, available for purchase at Rembrandt's Coffee House and local markets.
Plan Your Visit
Explore Chattanooga's Bluff View Art District's unique art, history, and culinary delights. From galleries and gardens to coffee shops and bakeries, this charming district promises a memorable experience for all. In addition to the locations mentioned above, the Hunter Museum of American Art and the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts are can't-miss attractions that offer even more artistic and historical treasures.
CHA Spotlight: Chattanooga's Bluff View Art District
Culture, Heritage and Arts Spotlight
The CHA Spotlight is an up-close and personal look at Chattanooga’s rich Culture, Heritage and Arts scene and the people that make it all possible. Check back often for the latest about Chattanooga’s festivals and events, local creators, public art, performances, musicians, rich history and more. We look forward to you visiting soon and enjoying Chattanooga’s Culture Heritage and Arts experiences that you will not find anywhere else.
See them all at visitchattanooga.com/spotlight.
