About the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

Founded in 1916, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is the oldest fine arts museum in the state of Tennessee, housing an outstanding collection of art dating from antiquity to present. The Brooks is dedicated to enriching the lives of our visitors through the expanding collection, varied exhibitions, and dynamic programs. Located at the heart of Memphis in historic Overton Park, the Brooks is a vibrant cultural complex comprised of 29 galleries, two art classrooms, a print study room, a private research library, and a professional auditorium with state of the art audio/visual equipment provided by Ninth Wave Audio and The Jeniam Foundation. In addition, the facility includes an award-winning restaurant, a museum store, and public and private meeting spaces.

The Brooks proudly provides all Memphians and visitors to the Mid-South the opportunity to learn about the visual arts from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Nearly 20,000 school children participate in free school tours each year, which include hands-on art activities, enabling students to make crucial connections between what they see and what they create. Public programs for children and adults fill the calendar throughout the year and include an independent film series, visiting lecturers, terrace concerts, dance performances, and free family events.

The museum is a privately funded, not-for-profit institution. With less than 12 percent of its budget provided by government funding, the Brooks relies on the generosity of individuals, foundations, and corporations for support to meeting operating costs and other expenses. There are many ways for individuals, foundations, and corporations to give support. In return, the museum thanks members and sponsors with special privileges, discounts, and naming opportunities.

Our vision continues in the new millennium as we work together with the Memphis community to transform lives through the power of art.

To visit the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art website, click here.