Memphis Art Museum Will Open December 6
The new $180 million facility will feature an extensive photography exhibition and free entry for Shelby County residents.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Fine Art
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The Memphis Art Museum is scheduled to open its doors on December 6, 2026. The 122,000-square-foot facility features a large rooftop sculpture garden and photography from the historic Hooks Brothers Studio.
Why it matters
This project represents a major expansion of local cultural infrastructure, providing significantly more gallery space for public engagement. It aims to revitalize the area while offering accessible programming to the local community.
The new museum includes a 50,000-square-foot rooftop sculpture garden and a 10,000-square-foot community courtyard. A 276-foot woven retractable curtain will enclose the facade and theater space.
The players
Memphis Art Museum
This is the primary cultural institution responsible for the new facility located at Front Street and Union Avenue.
Hooks Brothers Studio
This photography studio is the subject of the museum's inaugural exhibition covering over seven decades of local history.
The details
The facility features a design centered around a 276-foot retractable curtain and expanded exhibition areas that grow the museum footprint by 50 percent. Opening programming includes a deep dive into photography captured by Hooks Brothers Studio between 1907 and 1984.
Timeline
The photography collection documents local history from 1907 to 1984.
Construction on the museum facility began in June 2023.
New commissioned artworks were announced on September 22, 2026.
The museum is scheduled to open on December 6, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The museum's focus on large-scale infrastructure investment aligns with a broader industry trend of institutions expanding physical footprints to accommodate rotating thematic presentations. This project mirrors current efforts by regional galleries to modernize their facilities to remain competitive in the cultural tourism sector.
Residents of Shelby County will receive the benefit of free admission to the museum upon its December opening. Visitors can expect a significant increase in available gallery space compared to previous institutional offerings in the city.
The takeaway
The opening provides the public with a major new venue that integrates outdoor sculpture space with historic photography archives. Local residents should prepare for the December opening by noting the free admission policy tied to their residency.
Further reading
Discover more about the evolving local art scene by visiting Fine Art.
Live Poll
Should local public museums offer free admission to area residents?
