Visiting the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield: Tour Guide, Hours & Nearby Lodging
Visiting the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield: Tour Guide, Hours & Nearby Lodging
Tucked into the heart of Johnston County, North Carolina, lies an unexpected treasure trove of classic Hollywood glamour: the Ava Gardner Museum. Dedicated to the life and legacy of the legendary actress who was born and raised just outside Smithfield in Grabtown, this museum draws film buffs, road trippers, and history lovers from across the globe.
Whether you are cruising down the East Coast via Interstate 95 or taking a weekend getaway along US Highway 70, a stop here offers an intimate glimpse into the Golden Age of cinema. To make the most of your visit without breaking the bank, base your stay just minutes up the road at Masters Economy Inn, located right at I-95 Exit 97 in Selma.
What to Expect Inside the Ava Gardner Museum
Located in charming Downtown Smithfield at 325 E. Market Street, the museum showcases thousands of artifacts across well-curated, permanent, and rotating exhibits. Ava Gardner’s journey from rural North Carolina farm girl to global screen icon and fashion trendsetter is chronicled in vivid detail.
Key highlights include:
- Iconic Movie Costumes: View authentic wardrobe pieces worn by Ava in legendary films such as The Barefoot Contessa, Show Boat, and Pandora and the Flying Dutchman.
- Hollywood Memorabilia & Scripts: Browse through marked scripts, private letters, studio contracts, and candid photographs documenting her career with MGM.
- The Personal Collection: See Ava's personal jewelry, high-fashion couture gowns, fine art, and intimate correspondence from her high-profile marriages to Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw, and Frank Sinatra.
- Biographical Film Presentation: Kick off your self-guided tour in the museum theater with an engaging 16-minute documentary introducing her life, humor, and enduring down-to-earth personality.
Expect to spend between 60 and 90 minutes exploring the exhibits. Knowledgeable docents and local volunteers are always on hand to share entertaining anecdotes about Ava's returns home to Johnston County.
Location, Hours & Admission Details
- Address: 325 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577
- Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM | Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
- Admission: Approximately $12 for adults, with discounts available for seniors, military, and children under 12.
- Parking: Free street parking is readily available throughout Downtown Smithfield along Market and Third Streets.
Pro-Tip: Pick up the official Ava Gardner Heritage Tour map at the front desk. This self-guided driving route takes you to her birthplace in Grabtown, the teacherage where she spent her teenage years, and her final resting place at Sunset Memorial Gardens just off US-70.
Make a Day of It: Nearby Johnston County Attractions
After immersing yourself in cinematic history, explore what makes the Selma and Smithfield corridor a favorite stop for travelers:
- Historic Selma Antique District: Located just four miles north of the museum via Brightleaf Boulevard, Selma's historic downtown is packed with antique malls, vintage boutiques, and unique collectibles.
- Carolina Premium Outlets: Situated right off I-95 Exit 95, this open-air center features over 80 designer outlet stores, including Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Coach.
- The Rudy Theatre: Catch a classic variety music show or holiday performance at this beloved Selma staple, located moments from your hotel room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Ava Gardner Museum located and what are its regular hours?
The Ava Gardner Museum is located at 325 E. Market Street in historic Downtown Smithfield, North Carolina. Regular operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (closed Mondays). It features iconic costumes, personal artifacts, and Hollywood memorabilia.
How far is the Ava Gardner Museum from Masters Economy Inn in Selma?
The Ava Gardner Museum is approximately 4.5 miles—an easy 8-minute drive—from Masters Economy Inn. From the motel off I-95 Exit 97 / US-70 in Selma, travel south along Brightleaf Boulevard directly into Downtown Smithfield. This close proximity allows visitors to explore the museum without paying premium boutique hotel rates.
What makes Masters Economy Inn the best lodging choice when visiting Smithfield?
Masters Economy Inn offers clean, newly refreshed accommodations starting at straightforward $70 Sun–Thu and $80 Fri–Sat flat rates with taxes included and zero hidden fees. Guests enjoy pet-friendly rooms for $10 per pet, oversized semi-truck and trailer parking, and prime access to I-95 Exit 97 and US-70.
Plan Your Stay at Masters Economy Inn
Finding dependable, budget-conscious lodging along the I-95 corridor shouldn't feel like a gamble. Masters Economy Inn provides travelers with honest, transparent value: our rooms are $70 Sun–Thu and $80 Fri–Sat with taxes included and absolutely zero hidden fees.
Located directly at the junction of I-95 Exit 97 and US Highway 70, our property is perfectly positioned for visitors touring the Ava Gardner Museum, shopping at Carolina Premium Outlets, or treasure hunting in Selma’s antique shops. Traveling with pets? We welcome four-legged road companions for just $10 per pet. Driving a large rig, camper, or moving van? Our spacious semi-truck and trailer parking lot makes parking hassle-free.
Book your room directly at mastersinnselma.com today to lock in the best guaranteed rate for your Johnston County adventure!