Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield, NC: Tribute to a Hollywood Legend
Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield: Tribute to a Hollywood Legend
Long before she captured the heart of Frank Sinatra, starred alongside Clark Gable, and earned an Academy Award nomination, Ava Gardner was simply a country girl from Johnston County, North Carolina. Today, visitors traveling along Interstate 95 can step straight into the Golden Age of Hollywood right in the heart of Downtown Smithfield.
Whether you are a classic cinema aficionado or taking an East Coast road trip, the Ava Gardner Museum is an unforgettable cultural destination. Best of all, it sits just 10 minutes south of Masters Inn Selma, making our cozy hotel at I-95 Exit 97 the ultimate base for your cinematic adventure.
1. From Grabtown Sharecropper to Global Screen Siren
Born on Christmas Eve in 1922 in rural Grabtown—just seven miles east of Smithfield—Ava Lavinia Gardner grew up during the Great Depression. Her path to stardom began by complete chance: while visiting her sister in New York City, her brother-in-law snapped a portrait that caught the attention of an MGM scout.
Ava's smoldering beauty and fierce independence quickly propelled her into Hollywood royalty. She starred in immortal classics like The Killers (1946), Show Boat (1951), The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952), and earned an Oscar nomination for Mogambo (1953). Despite living worldwide in Madrid and London, Ava never forgot her humble North Carolina roots, frequently returning home to Johnston County.
2. What to See Inside the Ava Gardner Museum
Located at 325 E. Market Street in Downtown Smithfield, the museum spans over 5,000 square feet of curated exhibits that honor her 50-year career:
- Iconic Wardrobe & Costumes: View rare costumes from film sets, Ava's personal designer evening gowns, and custom Balenciaga pieces.
- Hollywood Romances & Letters: Explore intimate correspondence, love letters, and keepsakes from her high-profile marriages to Mickey Rooney, bandleader Artie Shaw, and music icon Frank Sinatra.
- The Heritage Theater: Kick off your tour with an engrossing 17-minute biographical film outlining her life journey from cotton fields to red carpets.
- Fine Art & Photography: Marvel at original portraits by Dutch artist Bert Long and iconic studio stills captured by legendary Hollywood glamour photographers.
3. Complete the Ava Gardner Heritage Tour
After touring the museum, take a short drive across town to pay respects at Sunset Memorial Park on US Highway 70 Business, where Ava rests beside her parents and siblings. Grab lunch along Market Street in historic Downtown Smithfield, or drive just five minutes up to the Carolina Premium Outlets at I-95 Exit 95 for upscale shopping before heading to nearby Selma.
4. Road Trip Directions from Masters Inn Selma
Getting to the museum from Masters Inn Selma is completely effortless:
- Depart from Masters Inn Selma near I-95 Exit 97 / US-70.
- Head south along US-301 South or take I-95 South to Exit 95.
- Follow Brightleaf Boulevard / US-70 Business directly into Downtown Smithfield, turning onto East Market Street.
- Free street parking is widely available directly outside the museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Ava Gardner Museum located and what are its operating hours?
The Ava Gardner Museum is located at 325 East Market Street in Downtown Smithfield, North Carolina. The museum is typically open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, though holiday hours may vary slightly throughout the calendar year.
How far is the Ava Gardner Museum from Masters Inn Selma?
The Ava Gardner Museum is situated roughly 5 miles from Masters Inn Selma, translating to an easy 8 to 10-minute drive. Guests can quickly navigate south along US-301 South or take Interstate 95 South straight into central Smithfield without encountering heavy metropolitan traffic.
Where is Ava Gardner buried in Smithfield, NC?
Ava Gardner is buried in Sunset Memorial Park, located at 1920 US Highway 70 Business West in Smithfield, North Carolina. Her family gravesite sits beneath shaded trees alongside her parents and siblings, resting just two miles west of the museum downtown where visitors can leave flowers and tributes.
Plan Your Stay at Masters Inn Selma
After a day discovering silver-screen history and exploring the Historic Selma Antique District, unwind in comfort at Masters Inn Selma. Situated directly off Interstate 95 at Exit 97, we provide quiet, budget-friendly accommodations with modern conveniences, pet-friendly rooms, and warm Southern hospitality.
Lock in the lowest available rates by booking your room directly at mastersinnselma.com today!