Location: Memphis
Top Things to do in Memphis
Top 9 Art Museums in Memphis, Tennessee (TN)
Memphis is a pilgrimage for those wanting to visit the birthplace of the blues, of soul and of rock 'n' roll. On Beale Street, W.C. Handy put down on paper the first written blues music. Elvis, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash all recorded at the historic Sun Records, which is now a museum. Graceland, the second most-visited home in America, welcomes visitors from around the world who yearn for a peek into the life of "the King." Beyond the music, Tennessee's largest city also offers much more. It has more sunny days each year than Miami, and combines southern tradition and hospitality with modern amenities. You'll enjoy great dining (be sure to sample the barbecued ribs), art galleries and exciting nightlife.
Restaurants in Memphis
1. Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 272 reviews
Admission prices: $6 adult, $5 senior, $4 student. Free if 5 years old or under.
Reviewed By a-travelin-foodie
Absolutely amazing pieces of carved ivory - from full tusks (even ancient mammoths) to small pieces. The jades too are phenomenal. I have been in museums all over the world (biut not China!) and have never seen such a large collection of beautiful work! There are a number of other excellent pieces, too. For $6, well worth it for anyone to come take a look on a rainy day, even if it's not normally your thing. The Judaica was pretty impressive, too, including a huge collection of contemorary silver and some art. Loved that they included the "Living On" exhibition - a collection of photos and stories of Holocaust survivors relevant to Memphis. An easy walk from any location downtown, it's on the trolley line. In the basement, accessible by either elevator or stairs.
2. Withers Collection Museum & Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 149 reviews
The Withers Collection Museum and Gallery houses and displays the collection of photographs taken by Ernest C. Withers, a prolific photojournalist who captured Memphis history for over 60 years.
Reviewed By kmz88 - Chicago, United States
It's a great place to see some great photographs, and learn a lot about the civil rights movement. There is also a bit about music.
3. David Lusk Gallery
4. Edge Motor Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
The Edge Motor Museum, Memphis’ only auto museum, highlights the rise and fall of the American sports car from “postwar to ‘74” in an exhibit called American Speed. Located just 600 feet west of Sun Studio, the museum is a short 2 minute walk down the street and features cars from the same era(s) that Sun highlights so well on their tours.
Reviewed By mbonnema - Grand Rapids, United States
Loved our stop in here on a rainy Sunday, the personal touch was much appreciated giving us a little background to the beautiful cars on display. Very much worth a visit!
5. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
Founded in 1916 and located at 1934 Poplar Ave. in historic Overton Park, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is home to Tennessee’s oldest and largest major collection of world art. More than 10,000 works make up the Brooks Museum’s permanent collection, including works from ancient Greece, Rome, and the Americas; Renaissance masterpieces from Italy; English portraiture; American painting and decorative arts; contemporary art; and a survey of African art. The Brooks Museum enriches the lives of our diverse community through the museum's expanding collection, varied exhibitions, and dynamic programs that reflect the art of world cultures from antiquity to the present.
Reviewed By 291genej - Silver Spring, United States
After spending a long morning at the excellent zoo, its good we saved some time and energy for this recommended museum. We parked in their free lot facing the 1936 WPA band shell and walked around the 3 connected buildings (1916+1955+1989) to enter the Main Hall with its "Diva Ascending" display. Not all its 29 galleries were open but we moved between the open permanent and changing exhibit galleries. Several outstanding European paintings, then modern art, preserved furniture, Indigenous and African art, sculptures and decorative arts made for a well rounded collection. Our Covid-time entry was based on donations and we gave $10.
6. Dixon Gallery & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
Art museum specializing in impressionist and post-impressionist painting, featuring work by Matisse, Renoir, Gaugin, Cassat and Turner.
Reviewed By charlu2013 - Southaven, United States
The gallery is delightful. The gardens are exquisite. They are undergoing a bit of construction now but when it is completed, the grounds will be pristine again. There are some delightful treasures of artwork tucked away in the gallery. I love the Impressionist paintings and have spent many moments enjoying their beauty.
7. Woodruff-Fontaine House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 158 reviews
An elegant, 16-room mansion built in 1870 and featuring period furnishings and mannequins displaying the fashions of the era.
Reviewed By GreenEyedWonderWoman
I have been visiting the Woodruff-Fontaine house for several years now, and each time I visit I discover something new. The staff is always changing up their exhibits, and they have different kinds of events going on all the time. I have literally been to visit during every kind of weather from bright & sunny to dark & dreary. It is extremely enjoyable no matter the weather! This is a great place for all those who love history, fashion, and unique experiences. I highly recommend.
8. Art Museum of the University of Memphis
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 11 reviews
This art museum features artifacts from the city's namesake, the ancient Egyptian city of Memphis.
9. Peabody Place Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 8 reviews
This museum contains more than 600 treasures from Europe and the Orient.
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