Dating back to 1916, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is an iconic Tennessee institution, its large permanent collection held in a beautiful beaux arts building. Its halls and corridors are lined with paintings, photography exhibits and textile arts, among many other media. Visit the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art to move from Italian Renaissance artists and the Impressionists to 20th-century pieces and baroque work in this eclectic hub.
Make your way around the exterior of the museum to see its array of outdoor sculptures. Admire the Aquacade bronze fountain in the Holly Court and study the three marble sculptures by Chicago-born artist Wheeler Williams. Among the outdoor treasures are the 19th-century lions on the western staircase and the bronze birdbath.
Head inside and inspect sculptures by Auguste Rodin and Antoine-Louis Barye. The 16th-century bust of Judas Iscariot by Nicolau Chanterene and Marisol’s The Family are among the intriguing works of a religious nature. Check out the Artists Books section for literature and collections of works by Picasso and many other prominent artists.
Browse Western European and American paintings from the early Renaissance to present day. Prints, drawings and photographs make up some of the museum’s more modern pieces.
Examine the textile arts and go back in time to pre-Columbian handicrafts. Ancient Greek and Roman objects are on display in the museum, as well as African works of carving, metal and paintings.
The site opens daily from Wednesday to Sunday, late morning until late afternoon. On Wednesdays, it stays open into the evening. Pay a fee to enter and get discounts for seniors, students and youths, with free admission for kids, teachers and veterans.
The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is in the southwestern corner of Overton Park, in the eastern part of the city. It lies between the districts of East Parkway, Idlewild and Evergreen. Ride a bus to the stop just outside the park. Travel through this area to see other treasures such as the Memphis Zoo, the Overton Bark dog park and the Levitt Shell music venue.
