Front elevation of new meeting room addition at west of original building.

Rear elevation of existing building (center) with new library addition at left and new meeting room at right.

Classroom/Conference Room | New Addition

Rear courtyard framed by new library wing and rear of original building.

Knoxville, TN

Beck Cultural Exchange Center

The Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Inc. is located in the heart of an established residential community at 1927 Dandridge Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The original Beck Center House was built on the current property in 1912 in what was a traditional white neighborhood. In 1947 when a black physician moved into the house a cross was burned on the lawn; they did not want black people in the neighborhood.

James Garfield Beck and Ethel Benson Beck moved into the house in 1967, making them the second black family to move into the house. The Becks left money with friends to, “do something in their memory;” the Beck Cultural Exchange Center was established in their memory.

Today, Beck has been renovated, restored and an additional 5,000 square feet has been added to accommodate the the massive collection and exhibits. Much of the original architecture remains intact, adding an authentic environment to your museum visit.

The house is a place where tradition meets progress, and it reflects the values of our vibrant community. The renovation project was realized with the help of generous donors and countless hours of fundraising, and Beck Cultural Exchange Center, Inc. is grateful to everyone who made this possible.

Summary and details from the Beck Cultural Exchange Center.