The Heritage of the Dixon

The history of The Dixon Gallery and Gardens begins with two exceptional people, Margaret Oates Dixon (1900-1974) and Hugo Norton Dixon (1892 1974). Philanthropists and community leaders, the Dixons ensured a rich and more varied cultural life for Memphians by bequeathing their home, their gardens and their collection of French Impressionist paintings for the enjoyment and education of future generations. The Dixons also established the Hugo Dixon Foundation, a separate entity that assists in funding The Dixon Gallery and Gardens in perpetuity.

The Dixon Gallery and Gardens celebrated its twentieth anniversary in 1996.  The museum complex and gardens opened at the bequest of the late Hugo and Margaret Dixon who left the house, grounds, and the bulk of their estate to set up a foundation to fund the institution which was established for the enjoyment of the people of Memphis. Although a public institution, the museum receives no city, state or federal funding. It is funded by the Hugo Dixon Foundation and individual and corporate contributions.

The Gardens

The Dixon gardens were carefully carved out of 17 acres of native Tennessee woodlands and landscaped in the manner of an English park with open vistas and formal gardens.  After the Dixon was opened to the public, a two acre woodland garden, a cutting garden, greenhouses, and the Camellia Conservatory were added.  Sculpture, ranging from 18th century to modern, also enhances the Dixon gardens.

Fresh flowers from the cutting gardens are used in arrangements for the galleries by members of The Memphis Garden Club, a member of the Garden Club of America.