~ from Visit Knoxville
Visit Knoxville announces that the Visitors Center at 301 S. Gay Street will be reopening to the public on May 13, 2026. The first-floor has been closed since January for a remodel to enhance the visitor experience.
McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects, Inc. (MHM) was the architect for this project, and Holston Construction Services completed the renovation. The plans include casual seating arrangements for visitors to engage with Visit Knoxville staff and visitor materials, a new meeting space that will allow for private and public use, and an updated stage area and retail space. Visit Knoxville is looking forward to continuing to promote the local and regional Maker community with current and new artist partnerships in the refreshed Gift Shop. This remodel also includes a new mural throughout the lobby space, which was designed and installed by local artist, Curtis Glover.
The exterior of the Visit Knoxville Visitors Center has also received cosmetic upgrades. The large mural on the south side of the building, originally installed in 2013, has undergone a sealant restoration by CertaPro Painters® of East Tennessee. The front façade of the building now reflects the same green shade used in Visit Knoxville’s creative branding: “Calling the Curious.” The window shutters on the façade and north side of the building have been removed; the soldier brick ledges have been painted along with the entrance alcove. The entire building has also been pressure-washed for a fresh new look. A new open bulb marquee sign has been installed by Allen Sign Co., along with two new information signs above the entrance alcove.
The public is invited to a Grand Reopening Celebration on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 10 AM – 12 PM. Visit Knoxville President, Kim Bumpas, will give remarks alongside Nathan Honeycutt, Principal of MHM. A ribbon cutting will follow with special activations until noon, including local musician Hayden Bright performing on the new Blue Plate Stage. WDVX’s Blue Plate Special program will return live to the Visitors Center on Wednesday, May 27.
Grand Reopening Celebration
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Visit Knoxville Visitors Center
301 S. Gay Street
Knoxville, TN 37902
9–11AM – Road closure for Gay Street from Summit Hill to Wall Avenue
9:45AM – MEDIA REQUESTED TO ARRIVE
10AM – Program to Begin
“We’re so excited to welcome back locals and visitors alike to our newly renovated Visitors Center,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “This will be a perfect first impression of our destination for years to come, and we look forward to sharing this space with the community and beyond.”
