Visit Us in Smithfield, NC.

The Ava Gardner Museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the life and times of Ava Gardner, one of the most iconic stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Located in Downtown Smithfield, NC, the museum offers visitors a comprehensive look into the life of this beloved actress. Inside the museum, guests can explore her personal effects, as well as her movie memorabilia and costumes. Additionally, the museum also features a theater, art gallery, library, and gift shop. Whether you’re a fan of Ms. Gardner or simply a lover of classic films, the Ava Gardner Museum is a fascinating and educational experience that shouldn’t be missed.

The Ava Gardner Museum is open seven days a week, go to the Visit the Museum page for hours and admission information. Come and explore our brand new exhibits featuring costumes from Ava Gardner’s five-decade career in film and television, the new Ava's Husbands Exhibit and Ava Collections Showcase with new artifacts loaned to the museum from collectors and Ava's family. If you are unable to travel to Smithfield, don’t worry because we have lots of ways you can engage with the Ava Gardner Museum online. We share interesting facts about Ava’s remarkable life and items from our vast collection on our social media, blog, and website. We also have new virtual offerings that bring the Museum to you at home including episodes of our virtual conversation series entitled Ava Chats and virtual exhibits which coincide with our physical exhibits.
 

Ava Gardner Festival was a grand success!

The Ava Gardner Festival is just not possible without the hundreds of hours of volunteer work by the Ava 100th Centennial Planning Committee and the generosity of our sponsors. Thanks to everyone that has helped throughout this year long celebration.

Thank you...Thank you...Thank you!

Supporting the Museum

The museum continues to have repair issues with the building that houses the collection, in fact, in 2023 we have replaced the Ava neon sign and poster boxes and had expensive underground pipe repairs.

If you would like to support the Ava Gardner Museum and our mission of sharing Ava’s story with the world, consider shopping in our online gift shop or donating to the Museum. For the latest updates about our programs, special events, or other Museum news, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media. Thank you for your continued support!

To support the Ava Gardner Centennial Planning Committee - click to give online.
 

Did You Catch Ava on the PBS Show NC Weekend?

If you missed it, be sure to watch the recent segment below...

Executive Director Lynell Seabold and Host Deborah Holt Noel discuss Ava's life, career, loves, and the recent museum remodel. For the full episode - CLICK HERE.