The Dixon Gallery and Gardens, one of Memphis' premier art museums since 1976, specializes in impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings and decorative arts. Throughout its history, the museum has endeavored to ensure a rich cultural experience for visitors by creating unique educational programs featuring exhibitions highlighting the Dixon's strengths: the fine art collection, decorative art collection, and beautiful thriving gardens.

At its inception, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens Permanent Collection consisted of 26 paintings. This initial Dixon bequest included works by French Impressionists, Post-Impressionists, an American Impressionist, and several 18th and 19th century British portraits and landscapes. Over the years, and through generous gifts, bequests, and museum purchases, the collection has grown to over 2000 paintings, works on paper, sculptures, and decorative arts objects. With the addition of the Warda Stevens Stout Collection of 18th century German Porcelain, The Adler Pewter Collection, The Armand Hammer Collection of Daumier Prints, The Noufflard Collection, The Forain Acquisition, The Ritchie Collection, and the Millennium Gift of Sara Lee Corporation, the Dixon's Permanent Collection has expanded to include related schools, American art, and a fine collection of decorative art.