Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

Imagine the oldest and largest art museum in the state of Tennessee — the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Located in picturesque Overton Park, in the heart of Memphis, this museum is a true gem of the USA. Since its founding in 1916, it has become home to an impressive collection of more than 10,000 works of art — ranging from ancient artifacts to bold contemporary installations.

The museum's main building is a work of art in itself. Built in the elegant Beaux-Arts style by architect James Gamble Rogers, it is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Its snow-white facade and clean lines recall classical traditions, while the interiors harmoniously blend historical heritage with modern architectural solutions added during major expansions in the 1950s and 1980s.

The Brooks Museum is more than just an exhibition space; it is a vibrant cultural center. It features the cozy Holly Court garden, a panoramic terrace overlooking the park, and the popular Brushmark restaurant. The museum is currently preparing for a major move to a new modern building on the banks of the Mississippi, which promises to become a new symbol of sustainable architecture and hospitality for the city.

To contact the museum administration or find more information about current events, you can use the following contact details:

A visit to the museum is a fascinating journey through the centuries. In the permanent collection, you can see world-class masterpieces: from the delicate canvases of French Impressionists Camille Pissarro and Pierre-Auguste Renoir to works by great American masters such as Winslow Homer and Thomas Benton. Contemporary art lovers will appreciate the galleries featuring works by Robert Motherwell and local talents, notably the distinctive artist Carroll Cloar.

Beyond admiring the paintings, there is always plenty to do here. You can stroll through the shaded Holly Court garden, perfect for quiet reflection, or relax on the large terrace, which offers one of the best views of Overton Park. It is a great spot for striking photographs, especially during the "golden hour" before sunset.

Be sure to stop by the museum shop, which features unique souvenirs and art books, and conclude your visit with an exquisite lunch at the Brushmark restaurant. The museum regularly hosts educational programs and temporary exhibitions, so every visit can offer entirely new discoveries even for those who have been here before.

Finding your way to the museum is easy, as it is located in the heart of scenic Overton Park in the Midtown area. If you plan to travel by car from downtown, the trip will take about 10–15 minutes. Free parking is available for visitors within the park, making private transport a very convenient option.

For those who prefer public transport, you can use the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) buses, which stop near Poplar/Goodwin. Taxi services and Uber are also readily available to take you quickly to the main entrance at 1934 Poplar Ave. If you are arriving from Memphis International Airport (MEM), the drive via I-55 N takes approximately 20–25 minutes.

In the future, visiting the museum will become even more pedestrian-friendly with the planned move to a new building on the Mississippi River waterfront. For now, a visit to the Brooks pairs perfectly with a leisurely stroll through the shaded paths of one of the city's premier parks.

The history of this site began in 1916, when the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art first opened its doors as the Brooks Memorial Art Gallery. This was made possible by a generous donation from Bessie Vance Brooks, who sought to commemorate her husband, Samuel Hamilton Brooks. Initially, the building was an elegant yet modest Beaux-Arts exhibition hall designed by the renowned architect James Gamble Rogers.

Interestingly, at the time of its opening, the museum had almost no collection of its own. However, over the past century, it has evolved into the state's largest art collection. The building has been expanded several times: a cylindrical addition was added in 1955, and in 1989, architects from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill nearly doubled the museum's footprint, creating modern galleries and a grand main entrance. Today, the original historic building is recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark.

The city of Memphis itself, founded in 1819 on the bluffs of the Mississippi, has always strived for cultural development, and the Brooks Museum has become its primary artistic anchor. Now, the museum is on the threshold of a new chapter in its history — work is underway on a project for an ultra-modern building in the city center, which will allow for an even fuller presentation of the world's rich artistic heritage.

To leisurely explore the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions, most visitors need 2 to 3 hours. If you are a true art lover and plan to study each painting in detail, your visit time may increase.

We also recommend setting aside about 30–40 minutes to visit the cozy Holly Court garden or relax on the terrace overlooking Overton Park. If you decide to have lunch at the local restaurant or browse the gift shop, it is best to plan your visit for the afternoon to conclude your cultural walk with a pleasant meal.

The museum welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday. Please note that on Thursdays, the doors remain open until late evening, which is perfect for a romantic date or a quiet stroll through the galleries after work.

Opening Hours:

• Monday and Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The surroundings of Overton Park and the broader geography of the city offer many interesting places to complement your cultural itinerary in Memphis. Exploring nearby areas will allow you to better experience the atmosphere of Tennessee and find entertainment for every taste.