Explore Chattanooga Summer 2025

THE HOUSTON MUSEUM OF DECORATIVE ARTS POPS-UP AT THE MARTIN HOUSE Spotlight | WHAT TO SEE

N estled in Chattanooga’s Bluff View Art District, the Houston Museum offers a unique glimpse into the world of decorative arts through the eyes of a passionate collector. Just a short walk from its original site, the Pop-Up Museum is located in the Martin House at 412 East 2nd Street. Founded in 1961, the museum showcases the extensive collection of Anna Safley Houston, a pioneering businesswoman and antique enthusiast. Born on April 27, 1876, in Evening Shade, Arkansas, Anna Shafley Houston, known as “Antique Annie”, was an eccentric collector. Her passion began in the 1920’s when she opened the Red Brick Dixie Antique Shop in Chattanooga, TN. Her vision transformed a historic Victorian home on High Street into a treasure trove of over 15,000 objects, spanning centuries and continents. Its permanent collection includes an exquisite array of blown glass, antique furnishings, ceramics, textiles, and metalwork, with standout works by artists such as Louis Comfort Tiffany, René Lalique, and Dale Chihuly. While the Victorian home at 201 High Street has provided the perfect backdrop for this unique collection since 1961, the

building has begun a much-needed five-million-dollar renovation. A specifically curated portion of the collection has been temporarily moved to a pop-up museum location within the nearby historic Martin House in the Bluff View Art District. The Pop-Up Museum provides not only a rare look at pieces from the museum’s archives but also invites visitors to engage with decorative arts as they were originally intended: as beautiful, functional elements of daily life. Each exhibit room in the house is thoughtfully arranged to reflect the interplay of art and living space, transporting guests to a bygone era of design elegance. This “Pop Up Museum” continues to offer guided tours and maintains its educational revitalized home in the near future. Until then, this temporary location offers a delightful way to experience the museum’s magic in a truly one-of-a-kind setting. Don’t miss this limited-time opportunity! The pop-up museum and gift shop location is open Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 4pm. programs, ensuring that the community remains engaged with the collection . The museum team looks forward to welcoming guests back to its

Summer 2025