GO! SEE! EXPLORE! : Dixon Gallery and Gardens
Ahhhh, Spring time in Memphis. The warmer temperatures. The festivals. The pollen.
But if you’re been in Memphis longer than a year, you already know that one of the most “famous” Spring things to happen is the hundreds and hundreds of tulips that bloom at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens.
Located in East Memphis, just down the road from the Memphis Botanic Garden, is a hidden gem that is honestly one of my very favorite places in all of the city. The Dixon (as Memphians lovingly call it), is an iconic landmark and should be on every visitors radar. It’s part art museum, part botanic garden (duh, the title clearly states this). HOWEVER — it’s so much more!
But first — let’s talk tulips!
Every winter, volunteers and garden staff spend hours upon hours planting tulip bulbs around the garden and along various paths. Then in late March/early April the garden will just explode with color as those flowers burst out of the dirt, creating a sea of tulips. There are literally tulips everywhere on the grounds — from the front gate, along every path winding through the gardens, ending at two large open fields of them. There are tulips separated by color in the raised beds near the greenhouse and fountain and there are colors that simply bleed from one to other in the forest, giving the look of someone taking buckets of paint and just throwing the colors everywhere.
Tiptoe through the Tulips
This year, The Dixon is boasting 200,000 more bulbs have been planted — more than ever before. This is sure to be a magnificent show to see! Be sure you’re following their social media so you’re alerted to when the first blooms arrive. Typically you only get a week or so before the tulips are “over.” You MUST GO when they are in perfect bloom. All around the garden are spots for photoshoots, making your Instagram posts the envy of those who live out of town!
Besides the tulips, the Dixon Gardens features hundreds of different flowers and flowering trees/shrubs throughout the garden. Click here to learn more about what’s blooming and when.
Permanent & Rotating Art Exhibits
Inside The Dixon, you’ll find a state of the art gallery, featuring permanent paintings (did you know The Dixon has a real Monet on site? And a Degas? They do!) and sculptures alongside a gallery featuring visiting collections.
Park + Cherry is a brunch and lunch cafe.
If you find yourself a bit famished walking the gardens (image I said this in a “Pride and Prejudice” type of accent) then head over to Park + Cherry. This cafe is a full service coffee & tea bar, offering custom drinks and hot drip coffee. The menu changes with the seasons, but you’ll find tasty sandwiches, salads, soups, and an assortment of pastries/desserts to choose from. Eat in the cafe or take it outside and enjoy eating “al fresco” in the gardens or on their shaded patio.
Youth & Family Events
Did you know The Dixon hosts a variety of education and enrichment — for babies through adults? They added a huge education wing onto the museum, and it now host various events for the community, school field trips and homeschooling opportunities.
Mini Masters (ages 2-4) is every Tuesday from 10am-11:15am. Kaleidoscope Club (ages 5-9) is on Wednesday evenings from 4-5pm. On the first Saturday of each month, from 1-3pm, you can find Project Pop-up, an activities centered time for kids of all ages. The Dixon also offers Spring/Fall Break week-long day camps for kids in grades 1 through 5. Coming soon are Teen Camps (ages 14-18) and Youth Workshops (ages 10-13). Printmaking, sketching, and ceramics are just some of the topics that will be introduced into these classes.
Four times a year, The Dixon offers Family Days. These are some of the most popular free family fun in Memphis. Drawing a huge crowd, these are can’t miss events. There’s typically a scavenger hunt, live music, and hands on crafts. Rain or shine, these Family Days are worth the visit!
On the second Saturday of each month, they have Project Grow. Families can come and enjoy a garden-themed project. Learn about plants, get your hands dirty, and enjoy some tech-free time with your kids!
Community Events (and Fundraisers)
The Dixon wouldn’t be able to offer FREE admission to Memphis residents if it wasn’t for the generous donations to keep the garden and gallery up and running. Every year they host two fundraisers — Art on the Rocks in the early fall and Art on Fire later in the fall before the holiday season kicks in. Both of these are outdoor events feature local restaurants, breweries, and signature cocktails.
Each Mother’s Day, The Dixon hosts the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for a concert in the garden. Attendees bring their own blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy beautiful live music, surrounded by gorgeous flowers. Food trucks are typically present, but you’re permitted to bring in coolers.
Every fall the infamous Pumpkin House is erected, using hundreds of pumpkins! It’s another “must stop for photos” event each year.
In addition to these annual events, The Dixon also offers weekly and monthly get togethers for adults. They offer “Munch and Learn,” Yoga in the garden, a book club, a “Hobby Kick-Start” class, a Spanish book club, a senior art class (for those 65+), and Food Truck Fridays from April through June, July, and into August.
The Dixon also rents out their facility for private events such as weddings, baby showers, and more!
Dixon Gallery & Gardens
4339 Park Avenue
Memphis, TN 38117
Tuesday – Friday 10am – 5pm
Third Thursdays 10am – 8pm
Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday 1pm – 5pm
Closed Mondays
For more information, visit dixon.org
The unique learning environment at Lausanne Collegiate School includes small class sizes as well as inspiring and supportive faculty. Lausanne is located at 1381 W. Massey Rd, 38120. Learn more about what sets academics at Lausanne apart or call (901) 474-1000 to schedule a tour.
