Art does not take a backseat in Memphis. The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the region’s major art museum, features outstanding collections of fine art from the antiquities to the present. The Art Museum at the University of Memphis showcases remarkable Egyptian antiquities and West African artifacts with free daily tours. The Dixon Gallery and Gardens focuses on impressionist works by Monet, Renoir and Degas and lush gardens with Greco-Roman sculpture. And, not to be missed, each October at Memphis Festival of Arts over 150 artists exhibit their diverse talents in visual arts, ceramics, wood, jewelry, photography and more.

On the performing arts scene, Ballet Memphis pirouettes at the historic Orpheum Theatre. Opera Memphis is celebrating 50 years of performances. And, theaters in the city, such as Theatre Works, Theatre Memphis, Playhouse on the Square and Circuit Playhouse offer Broadway touring productions and local dinner theater productions.