50 Years of Beauty, Art, and Blooms: The Dixon Turns 50 in 2026

dixon exterior entrance with statue of three people hunched over

If you’ve ever wandered through 17 acres of manicured gardens on a crisp Memphis morning, paused in front of a French Impressionist masterpiece, or toasted to a summer night at Art on the Rocks then you already know what the Dixon means to this city. This year, Dixon Gallery and Gardens turns 50, and Memphis is celebrating in a big way.

 

Founded in 1976 by Hugo and Margaret Dixon, the museum has grown from a private estate into one of Memphis’ most beloved cultural landmarks and its the largest free art museum.

5 Things to Do in Memphis This Weekend: 7/26 - 7/28

Happy Friday! Here are five events you won't want to miss in Memphis this weekend:

1. Trolley Tour, South Main St., Friday, 6 p.m., Free

It's the last Friday of the month, which means that it's trolley tour night. From 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., the downtown trolleys will be free and the South Main Arts District will throw down with art openings, sales, food trucks, street performances and all kinds of good (free) times.

Save the Date: Discover Broad Ave. During Thursday's Sunset Quest

On Thursday, discover the Broad Avenue Arts District in the same way that 15th century explorers found new continents: with a map and a mission.

Only, instead of braving unknown and possibly dangerous lands in search of treasure, you'll be getting to know one of the coolest up-and-coming neighborhooods in Memphis through an evening scavenger hunt.