If you’ve had the opportunity to explore the Dixon Gallery and Gardens 17-acre property, beyond our curated art galleries, you may have bumped into our special furry friend. Meet Oliver, the Dixon’s garden cat.

As the story goes, the orange tabby snuck his way into the Potting Hub during a storm. He most likely spent the night of June 12, 2022 hidden in the building and was discovered by gardens staff on June 13.

This tiny feline chose a new home and ever since there’s been a mutual love for our whiskered friend. Oliver claimed these gardens as his domain—and staff, visitors and Memphians are lucky to be graced by his presence.

Where can you spot him?

While unfortunately the guards haven’t permitted him past the museum’s doors, he’s a trusty garden assistant. You can find him prowling past marble statues or sunbathing amongst the bushes throughout the Woodland Gardens.

Oliver, though sometimes frisky, is often found among the Cutting Gardens and gets his meals from our staff in the potting hub. Though it’s often rumored that he may chase down a chipmunk or two.

Our beloved Oliver has inspired fan art all the way from Thailand and even wedding crashed and photobombed our legacy of Dixon brides. He loves to cause mischief beneath the tables at Art on the Rocks or even act as an entrance gate greeter at Art on Fire.

Did you know that our gardens staff makes sure he gets his check-ups? Though he may not be fond of them...

So next time you’re visiting the Dixon’s FREE museum and gardens keep an eye out. You might spot our orange-furred friend, not painted on canvas, but padding softly through the greenery.

If you’d like to support Oliver’s gardens, become a Young at Art member today or give a donation to the Dixon’s Annual Fund!