Ava Gardner Museum

The Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield holds film costumes, personal belongings, photographs, movie posters, and objects collected throughout the actress's career. The collection spans her work from early film roles to her later projects, displayed across a spacious exhibition area.

A fan started collecting items in the 1940s, which eventually led to the museum being established in downtown Smithfield decades later. The collection grew over time to document an important period of American cinema.

The museum tells how a young woman from North Carolina became a major Hollywood star, showing her story through letters, photographs, and clothing from different periods of her life. What stands out is how much she remained connected to her roots, even while spending years in the film industry.

The location sits in downtown Smithfield and is easy to reach; tours with detailed information are offered regularly. Plan enough time to walk through the different display areas at a comfortable pace.

The museum preserves specific costumes from well-known films, including a green velvet dress and a Pandora outfit that hold special places in cinema history. These pieces are displayed among many other personal items and often draw the attention of movie enthusiasts.

Location: North Carolina

Address: 325 E. Market St. Smithfield, NC 27577

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 09:30-16:30; Saturday 09:00-17:00; Sunday 12:00-17:00

Phone: +(919)9345830

Email: avainfo@avagardner.org

Website: https://avagardner.org

GPS coordinates: 35.51090,-78.34510

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53