I’ve always been fascinated with Hollywood’s Golden Age of cinema, so when I visited the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield NC, it was easy to see why Hollywood actress Ava Gardner continues to captivate fans even today. It’s almost unbelievable that this dazzling starlet, often considered one of the most beautiful actresses to ever grace the silver screen, started out as a simple barefoot farm girl from this tiny southern town.
She said, “Although no one believes me, I have always been a country girl and still have a country girl’s values.”
Ava’s Journey to Stardom
Ava Gardner’s rise to fame is nothing short of a fairytale. After graduating from Rock Ridge School near Wilson, she pursued a secretarial program at Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College). Stardom wasn’t on her radar—until her photo landed in the window of her brother-in-law’s photography studio. One look at her beauty, and Hollywood came calling. Despite her thick Southern accent, MGM signed her to a 7-year contract, paying her a modest $50 a week. The rest, as they say, is history.
What to Expect at the Museum
Visiting the Ava Gardner Museum is like walking through the chapters of her life. Start your visit with the 17-minute overview film—it’s the perfect introduction that sets the stage for what you’ll see. The exhibits rotate regularly, showcasing memorabilia, personal items, and artifacts that take you through Ava’s childhood, her dazzling film career, and her headline-making romances.
You’ll see stunning costumes, vintage movie posters, and personal letters that paint a vivid picture of Ava’s life both on and off the screen. One of the highlights is the collection from her breakout role in The Killers, a film that cemented her status as a Hollywood icon.
My Personal Take
Before visiting the museum, I didn’t know the pre-Hollywood history of Ava Gardner. But after wandering through the exhibits and soaking in her story, I was hooked. If you’re anything like me, you’ll leave wanting to binge-watch her films. I know The Killers and Mogambo are must-sees, and if you have other recommendations, let me know!
Know Before You Go
- Location: 325 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577
- Hours: Tuesday-Sunday
- Admission: $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, $8 children 6-17, free for children under 6
- Parking: Free parking is available on-site
- Contact: For more information, visit avagardner.org or call (919) 934-5830
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