Memphis, the ancient name of Egypt’s capital and in today’s world, one of the most significant cities in Tennessee, is a haven for tourists for so many reasons. Aside from being the home of ‘King of Rock and Roll,” Elvis Presley, the town is filled with lush parks, especially along the river Mississippi, a thriving culinary scene, and lots of museums dedicated to arts and musical roots of the location. If you are a history buff, there is much to discover in the many institutions that abound in this place, from metalwork, street art, pop-up exhibits, and more. Check out fascinating relics and well-reserved history at the top art museums in Memphis, Tennessee.
1. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art has been around for about 100 years, and it is the largest, covering a total of 86,000 square feet (7989.7 square meters) and the oldest in the state. It’s home to several artworks from before the middle ages till the present date, including the works of Nam June Paik’s Vide-O-Belisk and Barbara Kruger. Parts of these exhibits are contained in a registered U.S. National Landmark Beaux-arts structure. On-site is a terrace with picturesque views of Overton Park, Holly Court garden, Brushmark Restaurant, and even a shop to purchase souvenirs.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Address: 1934 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, United States
Website: Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm; Wed: 10am - 8pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 3 - 7 USD
2. Withers Collection Museum & Gallery
This museum once housed a studio where Dr. Ernest C. Withers did his last works and was dedicated and named after him in 1995. It covers a total area of 7,000 square feet (650 square meters) and features almost 2 million photos shot by this iconic photographer. It was tedious labor made out of love and sacrifice for American history. The Withers Collection Museum & Gallery was opened to the public in 2011. Check out the images, ranging from legendary jazz and blues artists, and events of the Civil Rights Movements. Some of the photos to look out for include “The Queen of Soul,” “The King of Rock and Roll,” and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Withers Collection Museum & Gallery
Address: 333 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, United States
Website: Withers Collection Museum & Gallery
Opening hours: Sat: 12pm - 8pm; Sun: 2pm - 6pm; Tue - Thu: 12pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)
3. Art Museum of the University of Memphis
Initially, Art Museum of the University of Memphis was a temporary place within the institution, which housed its historical collections and exhibitions. However, it adopted its current name after accumulating several artifacts over 15 years. This museum’s primary collection features two Japanese armor suits, Sub-Saharan African art, and Egyptian antiquities. Aside from these collections, there is also the ArtLap area, featuring non-mainstream, experimental and new works, and the Caseworks Galleries, which highlights modern artworks, including those of Jan Hankins and Daryl Thetford.
Art Museum of the University of Memphis
Address: 3750 Norriswood Ave, Memphis, TN 38152, United States
Website: Art Museum of the University of Memphis
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
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4. Metal Museum
This museum is the only institution in the nation that is dedicated to the fine metalwork and art and craft, and it’s bound to be an exciting experience. The collections of the museum are spread over three separate buildings, featuring amateur and professional metalsmiths works. Aside from the variety of hollowware, jewelry, and ironworks, this site also plays host to the annual Master Metalsmith event, featuring massive industrial sculpture, door latches, and more. The grounds of this spot are also beautiful with century-old trees, large sculptures, and heartwarming views of the Mississippi River. You can even participate in the many workshops held on-site.
Metal Museum
Address: 374 Metal Museum Dr, Memphis, TN 38106, United States
Website: Metal Museum
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 5pm; Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Thu & Fri)
5. Dixon Gallery & Gardens
If you are a nature and a history enthusiast, then you should drop by Dixon Gallery & Gardens. It covers an area of 17 acres (6.9 hectares) close to Audubon Park in the center of the city. Like other museums, it features over 2,000 items of antique porcelain and incredible Impressionist paintings. Unlike other institutions, it also aims at exposing you to the beauty of nature via gardening. This museum also plays host to about ten exhibitions annually, featuring new and old art illustrations in an awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Dixon Gallery & Gardens
Address: 4339 Park Ave, Memphis, TN 38117, United States
Website: Dixon Gallery & Gardens
Opening hours: Sun: 1pm - 5pm; Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
6. Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art
The Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art, now set in Downtown Memphis was initially a temporary exhibition space of another institution, the Pink Palace Museum. This museum mainly focused on Asian art collections, especially China. It features several artworks, some of which date back to 202 B.C., and many of which are revered, originate from China. However, collections from Judaica are also in abundance, numbering over 30 bronze sculptures, illustrating the book of the Bible. So, you may wonder which Asian country’s art is more represented in this museum. Some claim it’s Judaica, while some insist it’s China. It’s up to you to find out!
Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art
Address: 119 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103, United States
Website: Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm; Tue - Fri: 10am - 5:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 4 - 6 USD
Explore the nation’s best art collections
Although Graceland is the main draw of this city, welcoming over 600,000 visitors annually, history buffs who know nothing about the vibrant museums in the region are missing out a great deal. Discover the musical roots, ancient works and exhibitions, metal works, and more in these top art museums in Memphis, Tennessee.
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