Ava Gardner Museum
Museum entry
Sultry screen siren Ava Gardner is a Hollywood legend, having worked with the likes of Clark Gable, Gregory Peck, and Burt Lancaster. An Academy Award nominee, she was once married to Mickey Rooney, and later, Frank Sinatra, who was said to be the love of her life.
The youngest of seven children, Ava was born in a small farming community near Smithfield, North Carolina, about 30 miles southeast of Raleigh. When Ava was 17, she was discovered after taking a trip to New York to visit one of her sisters. While there, her brother-in-law, a professional photographer, took her photo and displayed it in his Fifth Avenue studio’s window, which resulted in an offer from MGM to act in motion pictures. Ava's legend lives on in film, and at the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield.
The youngest of seven children, Ava was born in a small farming community near Smithfield, North Carolina, about 30 miles southeast of Raleigh. When Ava was 17, she was discovered after taking a trip to New York to visit one of her sisters. While there, her brother-in-law, a professional photographer, took her photo and displayed it in his Fifth Avenue studio’s window, which resulted in an offer from MGM to act in motion pictures. Ava's legend lives on in film, and at the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield.
Golden Days of Hollywood Glamour
Golden in Hollywood
Entering the museum is like stepping back in time to catch a glimpse of old Hollywood. Frank Sinatra songs playing though the sound system combined with soft lighting provide the perfect ambience for the tasteful displays featuring pieces of Ava Gardner’s life, beginning with her humble roots.
Originally a privately owned collection-turned-small-museum that was open only during summer months, the collection was donated to the Town of Smithfield in 1990. The professionally designed Ava Gardner museum opened in 2000 and continues to add new items to its exhibits.
Visitors are greeted warmly by the museum’s friendly staff and ushered into a viewing room to watch a short film about Ava’s life, which is the recommended (not mandatory) way to begin the museum experience. From there, guests are free to peruse the numerous personal items, scripts, documents, film posters, and glamorous costumes and dresses worn by Ava in her films and personal life. Information boards, photos, and paintings take the visitor through the various phases of Ava Gardner’s life.
Originally a privately owned collection-turned-small-museum that was open only during summer months, the collection was donated to the Town of Smithfield in 1990. The professionally designed Ava Gardner museum opened in 2000 and continues to add new items to its exhibits.
Visitors are greeted warmly by the museum’s friendly staff and ushered into a viewing room to watch a short film about Ava’s life, which is the recommended (not mandatory) way to begin the museum experience. From there, guests are free to peruse the numerous personal items, scripts, documents, film posters, and glamorous costumes and dresses worn by Ava in her films and personal life. Information boards, photos, and paintings take the visitor through the various phases of Ava Gardner’s life.
Final Resting Place
Home again in peace.
Ava traveled the world, and lived in Spain and London later in her life. She made her final move back home to North Carolina after her death in 1990. Ava is buried in the Gardner family plot at Sunset Memorial Park. It is a peaceful cemetery setting not far from the place she grew up.
Ask museum staff for directions or a map to the gravesite, which is a five-minute drive (if that) from the museum. Once inside the cemetery gates, follow the markers the short distance to Ava’s gravesite.
The Ava Gardner Museum is located at 325 East Market Street in Smithfield, NC. It is open Monday – Saturday 9 – 5, Sunday 2 – 5. There is a nominal admission fee and it is wheelchair accessible. Parking is on the street or in a nearby lot.
Phone: 919.934.5830
Ask museum staff for directions or a map to the gravesite, which is a five-minute drive (if that) from the museum. Once inside the cemetery gates, follow the markers the short distance to Ava’s gravesite.
The Ava Gardner Museum is located at 325 East Market Street in Smithfield, NC. It is open Monday – Saturday 9 – 5, Sunday 2 – 5. There is a nominal admission fee and it is wheelchair accessible. Parking is on the street or in a nearby lot.
Phone: 919.934.5830
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