Since I’m an art historical novelist — Oil and Marble and Raphael, Painter in Rome — a lot of my fans ask about my favorite museums.
I was born and raised in the American South, and so I’ve had the privilege of visiting some phenomenal museums in the area. So, in honor of my southern background, here are my top 10 museums in my proverbial neck of the woods:
Kimbell Art Museum in Ft. Worth, Texas
The Kimbell is home to the only Michelangelo painting held in an American Collection, so of course I rank it’s first on my list. (It’s a small copy Michelangelo made when he was only 12 or 13. Not representative of his style or interests, but an impressive example of his prodigious talents). Their permanent collection is also home to works by Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Goya, Monet, Cezanne, Picasso, Matisse, Titian… I love the Kimbell for focusing on quality over quantity — it’s small, but for quality of works, it can’t be beat.
Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida
When a replica of Michelangelo’s David watches over your museum, I am — of course — a fan (this is the last in the Michelangelo theme, I promise.). The Ringling (in affiliation with Florida State University) is housed on a 66-acre bayfront estate and displays a collection of rare antiquities, Old Masters, and modern masterpieces… It’s a magnificent find in sunny Florida.
Birmingham Museum of Art in Alabama
When I think of Birmingham, I think of the Civil Rights struggle (and rightly so; a visit to the Civil Rights Institute changed my perspective forever), but I never thought of high art. Now I do. The BMA houses an impressive collection of Italian Old Masters, great Impressionists, and an expansive Wedgewood Gallery. This museum surprised and delighted me at every turn.
Dallas Museum of Art in Texas
I love the Dallas Museum, not only for its world-class art, but because it works hard at making art relatable to the general public. The museum welcomes the art novice; not just the art aficionado — and that’s the most important thing to me: making a great collection relatable to regular people and getting the public excited about engaging with art.
Frist Art Museum in Nashville, Tennessee
When I attended Vanderbilt University twenty years ago, Nashville didn’t have a proper art museum, so I am pleased that the Frist has filled that void. It doesn’t house a permanent collection, but showcases rotating, world-class exhibits and is bringing the art community together in downtown Nashville.
New Orleans Museum of Art in Louisiana
I love this museum for capturing the spirit of one of my favorite American cities — NOMA embraces both Southern AND French culture, just like the Big Easy. This museum has been open for over 100 years and has helped its city survive tough times. It also has one of the best sculpture gardens I’ve ever visited. This museum is well worth a special trip down to Louisiana.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond
The VMFA not only has a vast, international collection — European, African, Pre-Columbian, Asian, American — but also puts on some of my favorite exhibitions. Not only do I love their ongoing Art and Rhythm exhibition (I’m fascinated by the connection between music and the visual arts), but their Japanese Prints exhibition on now through Feb 2020 is simply gorgeous and well worth a special trip!
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in Texas
Every time I visit, MFAH surprises me with its size and quantity of great works — it is comprised of two gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, visitors’ center, library, café, movie theater, two art schools, two house museums, and two gift shops. Don’t try to see it in one day; it takes several visits to enjoy it all. This museum isn’t just one of the best in the South. It’s one of the best in the country.
High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia
Yes, the High Museum has a great collection of American, Old Master, and African masterpieces. Yes, it’s housed in a beautiful, modern building in a bustling downtown. Yes, it has great lectures, events, and educational opportunities. But I love the High for collecting and supporting Southern artists and for reaching out of its walls and into Atlanta’s community. The High is the voice of Atlanta and that makes it worth a visit.
Crystal Bridges in Bentonville, Arkansas
I end where I could’ve begun, with one of my favorite places in the South — Alice Walton’s museum in northwest Arkansas; home to a brilliant collection of American art located on arguably the best grounds of any art museum in the country. This is one of those museums that fills the soul — with great art (Durand’s Kindred Spirits; Stuart’s portrait of George Washington, masterpieces by O’Keeffe, Johns, Pollock), beautiful architecture, and an inspiring mix of nature and art.
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I didn’t have space to list ALL of the great museums in the South. Which are YOUR favorites? Find me on social media and chime in!