Gailor Hall, Memphis: Historic Art Hub in Overton Park

Gailor Hall — Overton Park, Memphis, Tennessee. Built 1925; Henry Hibbs (architect), Italian Renaissance Revival.

Historic Significance

• National Register of Historic Places (1982).
• Home of Memphis College of Art (formerly Memphis Academy of Art, est. 1936) until MCA closure 2020.
• Named for Bishop Thomas F. Gailor (1856–1935), Episcopal Diocese of TN, Memphis Art Association founder.

Programs & Records

• Exhibitions: regional, national, international contemporary art.
• Education: community workshops, youth camps, artist talks.
• Events: “Art on Fire” (iron pour), “Art for Community” sale.
• Archives: MCA institutional records, exhibition catalogs, artist files — now at University of Memphis Libraries (Special Collections).

Current Status

Building owned by City of Memphis / Overton Park Conservancy. Post-MCA, used for pop-up exhibitions, community rentals, Conservancy offices. Rehabilitation fundraising underway (2023–).

Visiting

Overton Park, 1914 Poplar Ave. Exterior always accessible. Interior by event/appointment. Check overtonpark.org.