The Ava Gardner Museum is a hidden gem in Smithfield, North Carolina, dedicated to Hollywood legend, Ava Gardner. It’s always a pleasure visiting small-town museums. In fact, they fascinate me. The staff is typically there because they love sharing information with visitors and they’re passionate about what they do. Ava Gardner Museum is one such place. Located a short distance off of I-95, this piece of Hollywood in the Tarheel State is brimming with memorabilia and is a film buff’s delight waiting to be discovered.
Where is Ava Gardner from?
Ava’s rags-to-riches story could be right out of a Hollywood script. While visiting her older sister in New York City, her brother-in-law, a professional photographer, hung a portrait he took of her in his shop window. That photograph led to her discovery and launched Ava Gardner’s Hollywood career.
The museum tour starts with a 17-minute video. The video is a comprehensive overview of Ava Gardner’s life. Filled with interviews and film clips detailing her humble beginnings, it tells the tale of her discovery, romances, career, and final years. The film is a wonderful synopsis of the story of a small-town girl from Smithfield who became a Hollywood legend.
What you'll find at the Ava Gardner Museum
Whether you’re a long-time Ava Gardner fan, a classic film buff, or if this is the first time you’ve been introduced to the Tinseltown legend, you’ll come away with a greater understanding of who Gardner was.
From the moment you walk in the door you’re softly serenaded by crooner Frank Sinatra. Sinatra and Gardner were married from 1951 to 1957 and Ava considered Old Blue Eyes to be the “love of her life.”
Sinatra was her third husband and their romance filled the pages of gossip columnists such as Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons.
Gardner is even credited with getting Sinatra his big break by lobbying for him to play the part he won the Oscar for in “From Here to Eternity.”
Movie memorabilia and more!
The museum is replete with memorabilia and artifacts belonging to the star of the silver screen.
The self-guided tour travels the timeline of Gardner’s life. Displays include photographs, scrapbooks, movie posters, and many of Gardner’s exquisite gowns and costumes from her movies as well as her awards.
I was transfixed looking at her gowns. Not because they’re beautiful, which they are, but because she had an 18-inch waist! With her dainty figure and stunning beauty, it’s no wonder her first husband, Mickey Rooney, described her as the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
Additionally, there are collections of personal items such as china, jewelry, fine art, and artifacts that belonged to Sinatra.
Also housed in the museum is a collection of portraits by Dutch artist, Bert Pfeiffer. Although he never met Gardner, she was a favorite subject and he painted her portrait repeatedly.
The Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield encourages visitors to “discover the many charms of Ava’s hometown” with a sample itinerary.
Explore Downtown Smithfield
Smithfield is rich in history, and exploration is encouraged at the Ava Gardner Museum. On a recent return visit, we took a walking tour of the historic downtown.
A self-guided walking tour that can be printed off from the city website provides an excellent look into this Neuse River waterfront community. Start with the Heritage Center, and then continue along. You’ll want to be sure to check the hours of operation before your visit. We discovered they are closed on Saturday, so I was glad I had printed a map.
The tour includes listings for nineteen historic sites and is a relatively simple stroll that gives insights into several important elements of the town’s history, such as its founding and its role during the Civil War. On the river bank there is an impressive old oak tree where you will want to push the button to hear the tree tell its story. We learned more about Smithfield thanks to Oakie the Talking Oak Tree, which was a delightful surprise. I felt pleased that I am the type to “push the button.” 🙂
In addition to the historic sites and buildings, the streets are dotted with quaint boutiques, antiques shops, and a number of eateries offering everything from a quick cup of coffee, to a pastry, or a delicious meal. We especially enjoyed browsing the antiques at The Twisted Willow on Third Street and I had a wonderful chicken salad sandwich at Gotham’s Deli on Market Street.
Ava's Smithfield roots
Smithfield is a charming town with a Mayberry quality and it’s apparent there’s a great pride for their hometown girl.
Gardner never forgot her North Carolina roots and upon her death in London in 1990, she was returned home to be laid to rest. She’s buried alongside her parents and siblings about a mile from the museum at Sunset Memorial Park.
Parting thoughts
As far as museums go, this one is informative, designed well, and a fitting tribute to the star. If you find yourself driving the I-95 corridor in North Carolina – by all means, take exit-95 and spend an hour at the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield. And if you have the opportunity, stretch your legs and extend your stay to explore the historic downtown of Smithfield, North Carolina.
Ava Gardner Museum
325 E. Market Street
Smithfield, NC
919-934-5830
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