Memphis Art Museum receives $12M from state to build downtown facility

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The State of Tennessee is giving $12 million to support the construction of a new Memphis Art Museum downtown.

“The new Memphis Art Museum is key to making our downtown into one of the most dynamic and inviting cultural centers in the country,” says Mayor Paul Young. “This is a win for Memphis.”

Construction for the museum broke ground at the corner of Union Avenue and Front Street in July 2023.

The new 122,000-square-foot building was designed by top-of-the-line architects and will feature 50% more gallery space, which will be used to exhibit Memphis’ growing permanent art collection,  as well as new spaces for education and art-making for all ages.

Construction for the museum is budgeted for $180 million. The state’s $12 million contribution brings funding to 89% of its goal.

The new museum is on track to open to the public in 2026. During the transition, the museum will remain open in Overton Park.

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