Want to relax? Maybe step into another world for a moment in time? Then Chattanooga’s sculpture park is the place for you. You can walk around and see huge art exhibits, enjoy a picnic, and just get outside to relax.
What is Chattanooga’s Sculpture Park?
This sculpture park is actually called the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park. It is comprised of 33 acres of grassy, rolling hills and is the largest sculpture park in the southeastern region. Dotted throughout are over 40 art exhibits ranging in size from large to ginormous. You can enjoy these exhibits by taking a stroll along over 1.5 miles of walking paths woven throughout the park.
Why a Sculpture Park?
The sculpture park is a great way to support the community. The sculptures are created from artists around the world and encourage local arts as well as education. The park started as a wish from Mary Thayer Montague in 1911. She donated 49 acres to the city of Chattanooga to be used as a park. Her hope was that the city would use the land to create a park that’s free to all and therefore strengthen the community.
Unfortunately, her dream did not come true. The land was turned into a dump during the 1940s before reopening as a park. But in 2003 it had to be closed due to environmental hazards caused over the decades.
Eventually, Montague’s dream did come true. In 2016 the sculpture park opened after a decade of planning and working with the city to make it happen. And the goal remains the same. Keeping a park that helps the community and remains free to the public.
Sometimes special events are held at the park. Concerts, kite flying, and yoga classes, just to name a few, might be found here. However most of these have been canceled recently due to current events. To learn more about the Sculpture Fields, click HERE.
Tips For Your Visit
First, I’d like to point out that this sculpture park has nice restrooms. You can confidentially spend all day here. Other amenities include benches and picnic tables. There are numerous benches around the park and some double as unique pieces of artwork.
Please don’t climb on the sculptures. You can walk up to them to get a closer look, but for their longevity let’s respect the art pieces in this park. Also, when you’re getting a closer look at the sculptures, watch your step. There are anthills all over the grounds. And, when we visited, we noticed yellow jackets and wasps love to make homes inside some of the sculptures too.
Another neat feature of the park is the guided tour. You can download the Otocast app beforehand so you’re prepared or scan the QR code in front of some of the sculptures to get started. This audio tour will take you through the entire art gallery. We didn’t have time to check out this service when we visited but I really look forward to going back and enjoying it later as the weather gets cooler.
And that brings me to my last tip which is, there isn’t much shade. It’s called the Sculpture Fields for a reason after all. Having so few trees is part of what makes this park spectacular, but it can get hot in the warmer months. I suggest going in the cooler morning hours of summer or waiting till early fall or spring to really enjoy this park in its fullness.
Closing Thoughts
Chattanooga’s sculpture park is well worth a visit. Pack a picnic and make a day of it! This place truly feels like another world. The entire time we were there I forgot where we were exactly. The atmosphere is surreal and a great escape from the bustle of the city even though it’s right next door to downtown.
For a video tour of the place, click HERE.
For the exact location, click HERE.
For a park map, click HERE.
Let me know in the comments below if you’ve been here before and what your favorite sculpture is. I have too many favorites to pick just one myself. But if I have to narrow it down I’d probably say “Temple Mayan” (last photo above) and “Star Center” which are both by the same artist. (I did not realize this when I chose them as my favorites.) Until next time, enjoy Exploring Chatt!
I’ve got to get out more, this looks like fun. Maybe bring some food and watch the sun set behind some art.
Yes, this park is perfect for that!