Dining Out with Gustave Flaubert
Café Society Continues to Spark Conversation at the Dixon
Since opening in June, Café Society: Art and Sociability in Paris, 1855–1914 has invited visitors to step into the vibrant cafés of Belle Époque Paris—spaces where artists, writers, musicians, and everyday Parisians gathered to exchange ideas, find inspiration, and experience modern life.
Now midway through its run, the exhibition has become much more than a collection of remarkable paintings. Through lectures, workshops, conversations, and community events, Café Society has become a season of programming that celebrates the same spirit of curiosity and connection that defined cafés more than a century ago.
Organized by the Dixon Gallery and Gardens in collaboration with Ordrupgaard in Charlottenlund, Denmark, and the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha, Nebraska, Café Society represents years of international collaboration. Although the exhibition first premiered in Denmark, the concept originated at the Dixon nearly a decade ago under the leadership of Martha R. Robinson Curator Julie Pierotti. Since opening in Memphis, visitors have had the opportunity to experience more than fifty works by artists, including Jean-Louis Forain, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, James Tissot, Edgar Degas, and many others, all exploring the cafés that shaped artistic life in turn-of-the-century Paris.
The exhibition officially opened with a lively member reception, followed by Julie Pierotti's opening lecture, which provided visitors with deeper insight into the history of Parisian café culture and the artistic innovations born within these bustling social spaces.
Programming has continued throughout the summer, expanding the exhibition beyond the gallery walls. During the Munch and Learn series, guests have explored the role cafés played in preserving memories through coffee culture with Alexander Roach of Boycott Coffee and examined the music that filled Parisian cafés through a lecture by Rhodes College professor Jeffrey H. Jackson.
The conversation continues throughout July and August with several exciting opportunities to engage with the exhibition in new ways. Kevin Sharp, the Dixon's Linda W. and S. Herbert Rhea Director, will present Dining Out with Gustave Flaubert, while Travis Wiseman, PhD, owner of Cooper House Project, will discuss building a boutique brewery in Memphis. Visitors can also hear Julie Pierotti return for Café Places, Café Faces, offering another fresh perspective on the exhibition's themes.
Hands-on experiences have also brought the exhibition to life. Teen visitors can explore coffee brewing and latte art during The Art of Coffee, while adults can learn to create botanical-flavored syrups inspired by the Park and Cherry café menu during the Hobby Kick-Start: Flavored Syrups for Coffee and Dessert workshop. Dixon members at the Young at Art level and above will also enjoy an exclusive after-hours tour during Culture & Cocktails, combining conversation, community, and the exhibition itself.
The excitement surrounding Café Society has extended well beyond Memphis. The exhibition has received attention from local, national, and international media, highlighting both the exhibition's scholarly significance and the Dixon's leadership in bringing the project to fruition.
Coverage has appeared in publications including ArtDaily, Art History News, Fine Art Connoisseur, and The Newton Bee. Locally, Memphis Magazine recognized Café Society as one of the city's top weekend activities, while Choose901 featured the exhibition and highlighted the Dixon's free admission. The exhibition has also been promoted by the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association across its website and social media channels, introducing the exhibition to museum audiences across North America. Julie Pierotti also joined The Daily Memphian for a podcast conversation exploring the exhibition and its origins.
As Café Society enters its final weeks, there is still plenty to experience. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to see your favorite works again, the exhibition offers something new with every visit. Much like the cafés that inspired it, Café Society rewards slowing down, looking closely, and sharing the experience with others.
Café Society: Art and Sociability in Paris, 1855–1914 remains on view through September 6. Admission to the Dixon Gallery and Gardens is always free.
Thank you to the generous sponsors of this exhibition:
The Scheidt Family Foundation | Margaret Oates Dixon Society
Anonymous | Susan and Damon Arney | Debbie and Richard Binswanger | Kathy and Jack Blair | Kate and Michael Buttarazzi | Holly and Paul T. Combs | William B. “Billy” Dunavant, Jr. Foundation | Theodore W. and Betty J. Eckels Foundation | Andrea and Doug Edwards | Marylon Rogers Glass | Amanda and Nick Goetze | Julie and Rob Hussey | Anne and Mike Keeney | Mark Lavender and Guy Sellars | Debbie and Chip Marston | Mabel and Phil McNeill | Betty and Jack Moore | Snow and Henry Morgan | Nancy and Steve Morrow | Irene Orgill | Linda Pelts | Lyn and Bill Reed | Chris and Dan Richards | Irene and Fred Smith | Kaki and Vince Smith | Susan Adler Thorp | Ainslie and Hardy Todd | Adele Wellford Neville and Warfield Williams
