CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – If you’re seeing more Rock City-inspired barn designs around the Chattanooga area, there’s a reason why.
Rock City’s Barns2Birdhouses project is bringing a piece of roadside history into the present with 14 local artist-created installations across Chattanooga and northwest Georgia.
The project is inspired by the famous “SEE ROCK CITY” barns that helped put Rock City and Chattanooga on the map nearly a century ago.
Instead of recreating the original slogan, artists created new designs that reflect the locations where each piece is displayed.
The installations can be found at several of the region’s most recognizable destinations, including cultural attractions, museums, parks and other community spaces.
Each piece was created by a local or regional artist and offers a new way for visitors and residents to experience familiar places.
The project includes large-scale barn structures, elevated birdhouses, interactive photo opportunities and other artwork.
Inside Rock City, visitors can also see a signature installation from Southern contemporary folk artist Butch Anthony, along with hundreds of miniature birdhouses painted by students from Walker County.
Rock City says Barns2Birdhouses is part of its America250 celebration and is designed as a self-guided regional road trip, encouraging people to explore the artwork and attractions throughout the area.
The original See Rock City barn campaign began in the 1930s, when sign painter Clark Byers painted the famous message on hundreds of barns across multiple states.
The campaign became one of America’s most recognizable roadside advertising efforts before ending after the Highway Beautification Act of 1965.
