the museum's entrance at night, lit by lanterns lining the walkway

About the Dixon

The Dixon celebrates creativity, beauty, and discovery. With its fine art and living collections, rotating exhibitions in the museum and gardens, unique events, and educational experiences, the Dixon strives to bring people together and cultivate an appreciation for art and horticulture.

museum's back porch in 1950, black and white, colonial style

Dixon History

The Dixon Gallery and Gardens begins with two exceptional people, Margaret Oates Dixon (1900–1974) and Hugo Norton Dixon (1892–1974). Philanthropists and community leaders, the Dixons ensured a richer cultural life for Memphians by bequeathing their home, gardens, and collection of French Impressionist paintings for the enjoyment and education of future generations.

Red Tulips at the Dixon

How we have grown

With the support and generosity of our many members, donors, and visitors, the Dixon has been able to grow its collection in the museum and public gardens. Distinguished by its diverse and innovative programs in the arts and horticulture, the Dixon prioritizes learning and inspiration for the community.

two young women holding snacks outside the museum, an outdoor event taking place in the background
members sitting on fountain and strolling gardens at art on the rocks event

The Dixon Today

The Dixon’s collection is comprised of more than 2,000 objects, including French and American Impressionist paintings and significant holdings of German and English porcelain. The museum organizes and presents eight to ten exhibitions every year, the diversity of which appeals to visitors of all ages.

The Dixon’s seventeen-acre campus is a highly-regarded public garden that includes formal spaces, woodland tracts, and cutting gardens.

Accreditations

The Dixon is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association and Botanical Gardens Conservation International.

Meet the people behind the work

Staff Directory