Access to the arts strengthens communities. It brings people together, challenges critical thinking, and offers a welcome escape from everyday stress. Dixon Gallery and Gardens is committed to making art and horticulture accessible to everyone. In addition to offering free admission to the museum and gardens year-round, the Dixon also provides a variety of community outreach initiatives, giving people of all ages opportunities to experience art and horticulture.
Free for good
What started in 2020 as a way for people to safely get out of the house during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a lasting resource for Memphis. Since then, visitors have enjoyed free admission to the museum and gardens – and now it’s official: the Dixon is free for good. Admission will always be free, ensuring that everyone can experience the museum’s inspiring collections and vibrant gardens.
Free access goes beyond admission. The Dixon also offers free weekly programs including Munch and Learn, yoga, Taijiquan, lunchtime meditations, and bilingual book clubs. These opportunities foster connection and well-being while inviting people to engage with art in meaningful ways.
Community outreach
Arts education is powerful, it builds creativity, improves academic performance, nurtures problem solving – and it’s fun!
Community outreach is a major pillar of Dixon’s mission. The museum’s educators are passionate about their work and share their knowledge with purpose. They aim to reach beyond those who are able to visit the museum by bringing their programming directly into the community.
- Art to Grow delivers free art and horticulture lessons to Pre-K through eighth-grade students throughout Memphis. They work with several local public, private, and parochial schools throughout the school year. Bonus – this program also offers select after-school programs for students ages 13-18.
- Colorcopia offers free arts classes for seniors at local libraries and other community centers. Each session has a different theme and can be customized for in-person or virtual instruction based on the current health and safety recommendations of each location.
- Teens. Art. Gardens. – also known as T.A.G. – takes their arts and horticulture programming to after-school organizations across the community for those ages 13-18.
This year, the museum launched a lottery system for Dixon Art Camp – a beloved free, week-long summer art camp for children in first through eighth grade. The new system creates a more equitable and accessible process for families seeking arts opportunities for their children.
Plant a passion for art and horticulture at the Dixon! There’s so much to discover and experience.
Visit dixon.org to plan your visit.
