Brooks Museum of Art: Now with 400% more to do

This summer, Memphis is set to experience a cultural treat as the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art announces extended hours and an enhanced lineup of public programs.

Beginning July 1st 2024, the museum will open its doors late on Thursdays, offering Memphians an exciting new avenue to immerse themselves in art and culture.

With an array of fresh programs and events, the Brooks Museum is making it more accessible than ever for visitors to explore and enjoy its offerings.

New Hours to Accommodate Busy Schedules

The updated hours are as follows:

  • Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Note that the museum will be closed on Thursday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. For a comprehensive list of events and hours, visit the Brooks Museum website.

Quadrupling Public Programs

This commitment to expanding programming means more opportunities for families, artists, and community members to engage with the museum.

A woman in a navy blue dress with a pearl necklace smiles while standing with her arms crossed against a plain background.
Executive Director Zoe Kahr

“We are quadrupling the number of public programs with a goal to deepen community bonds for countless Memphians – and we’re just getting started,” said Executive Director Zoe Kahr. 

A close-up view of a vintage record player spinning a vinyl record, with another vinyl album cover propped up in the background. The scene, reminiscent of the curated exhibits at Brooks Museum, is lit with purple lighting.

Weekly Music Events

Music lovers can rejoice as the Brooks Museum introduces weekly music events. These events include intimate cabaret-style performances in the Terrace Room, gallery performances inspired by the art on display, and headliner shows in the Hohenberg Auditorium. Generously sponsored by the Turley Foundation, Inc., and Amy and Ronnie Wright, these music events promise to be a highlight of the museum’s weekly offerings.

Two children are drawing on a large paper at an art station set up on the floor at the Brooks Museum; one is writing with a blue marker, and the other is using a black marker. A container with supplies is nearby.

Super Saturday

Families will love the new Super Saturday sessions, offering free, drop-in art-making activities every week. Starting August 3rd, these sessions will no longer be monthly but weekly, making it easier for families to incorporate creative activities into their routine. While registration is required, the sessions are free, ensuring that everyone can participate.

Wooden mannequins of varying sizes are arranged on a shelf, with some in different dynamic poses. A sign in the background says "CREATIVITY," capturing the artistic spirit of the Brooks Museum.

Figure Drawing

For artists looking to refine their skills, the museum offers figure drawing sessions five times a month. Led by local artists, these sessions provide an excellent opportunity to practice drawing the human form, whether clothed or nude. It’s a fantastic way for artists of all levels to hone their craft in a supportive environment.

A glass of amber-colored liquid rests on a table next to a drawing of a wine bottle and glass, reminiscent of an exhibit one might find at the Brooks Museum.

Wine and Art Events

Engage in enriching experiences with a series of wine and art events. These include wine classes, wine tastings, flower arranging workshops, art dinners, and many more unique activities. These events combine the pleasure of art with the enjoyment of fine wine, making for memorable and educational evenings.

“Christian Siriano: People Are People”

Don’t miss the landmark fashion exhibition, “Christian Siriano: People Are People,” which runs until August 4th. Sponsored by archimania and Grinder Taber Grinder, this exhibition showcases the work of renowned fashion designer Christian Siriano, offering a unique perspective on contemporary fashion.

A Hub for Art and Community

Located at 1934 Poplar Avenue in historic Overton Park, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is a cultural cornerstone in the American South. With a collection of over 10,000 works, the museum features everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary art. Highlights include masterpieces from Greece, Rome, and the Ancient Americas, Renaissance art from Italy, English portraiture, American painting, decorative arts, and African Diasporic art.

The Brooks Museum isn’t just a place to view beautiful artwork; it’s a gathering place for the community. The expanded hours and programming make it an even more integral part of Memphis life, providing a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to explore, create, and connect.

Open courtyard with wooden architecture, children playing on the ground, adults standing and sitting around the perimeter. A glass-walled building section suspended above reveals views of the tall Brooks Museum in the background.
Conceptual rendering for Memphis' new art museum

Looking to the Future

Exciting changes are on the horizon for the Brooks Museum. In 2026, the museum will open a new, state-of-the-art 122,000-square-foot facility in the heart of downtown Memphis. This move will enhance the museum’s ability to serve the community and showcase its impressive collection.

For more information on current programming and future plans, call (901) 544-6200 or visit brooksmuseum.org.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a lover of art, a family in search of enjoyable activities, or an individual yearning for a cultural adventure, the Brooks Museum welcomes you. Now offering extended hours and a variety of new programs, there’s never been a better time to discover all that Memphis’s leading art museum has to present.

So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and make your way to the Brooks Museum. There’s never been a better time to immerse yourself in the rich artistic and cultural landscape of Memphis.

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