We had no idea how educational it would be going there. We were amazed at how the museum walked us down her entire life. It was very easy to follow that walk through her lifes ups and downs. She was an extraordinary lady with class. A must go see for yourself.

Not a large museum but enough (with movie) to go through Ava Gardners life, how she became a Hollywood legend, the men in her life, her movies, and her later years. Self-guided. Very interesting and informative. Well worth the stop. Not too far from the museum is her and her familys grave site (short couple miles drive up the road). Everything is easily accessible.

If you love the Lady, this is fantastic!

This place is awesome! I went in with low expectations because of what I had previously heard, but I was pleasantly surprised. The whole tour might take you 2 hours, and it is a small museum, but there is a lot there. The video presentation was educational and a good way to start. I cant recommend enough!

We had a friend in town and took him by to see this. Its a very nice little museum, nice movie about Ava.Warning. Be careful about parking on the street if you have a full size truck, a lot of mirrors get taken off. I was in the museum for about 45 mins and when I went out side I found my truck was damaged.

It was pretty neat, bigger than youd think, but not big. Ticket prices are high, especially seeing as its a small building with rather repetitive facts, but its still more than youd expect to come out of this. Worth a check out for people into film and anything associated.

This is nice change of pace in Smithfield, I enjoyed my visit but I dont think I will be jumping at the chance to go back.

Absolutely classy, vogue, glamorous, and poetically beautiful place holding the life story of the silver screen Hollywood legend Ava Gardner. As a first date, it was the perfect backdrop for the first kiss. And the dossier was able to answer any question about Ms. Gardner. She offered military and senior discounts. The museum is a must stop visit if you ever in NC. Loved it!

Wonderful museum! Original home movies of Ava Gardeners life. A very interesting place that gave you a sense of the life she led from her birth,how she was raised by her family as a country girl, & her steps to stardom as well as the interesting lifestyle she led till her death! I would highly recommend stopping by & checking it out especially if you love the movie stars of that era! You will be sorry if you miss it! Great Place!

Small, but extremely interesting information and exhibits.

It was very interesting and informative. I really enjoyed the presentation. She led an amazing life. I would have liked to have met her. Im glad we visited the museum.

This well tended museum is a warm tribute to their hometown girl. Its obvious what pride the staff have in sharing Avas life with visitors. The exhibits are beautifully and advantageously presented in the modest space. They include artifacts, clothing and jewelry as well as photographs. A film is shown in a small theater. Gift items to purchase. I was as impressed with the museums intention to honor Ava as with the excellent displays. We made a rest stop in this town driving up to D.C. from Florida because of the well placed Museum sign on Route 95. Street parking in front was free.

Loved the Ava Gardner museum!!! Way more than I expected. Miss Sue was an amazing docent. Would totally recommend to anyone near Smithfield.

A rather surprising little museum in Smithfield. The collection of movie memorabilia was mainly photos and dresses w just a fee pieces of jewelry. Still interesting walk thru Hollywoods golden age. It wasnt cheap but overall worth the admission. If you happen to be an Ava Gardner fan this would be a 5 star stop.

This is such a spectacular museum that is underestimated when it comes to artifacts and history. A beautiful location for a special reception. Be sure to ask the ladies to show you their favorite artifacts and share special stories!

Such a rich experience filled with memorabilia and interesting details about her life. I was pleasantly surprised!

I so enjoyed coming here and learning about the beautiful Ava Gardner. Not only that, but I enjoyed the lady working the front desk; her and I talked for quite a while and she was so warm and friendly. I’d recommend stopping by if you’re ever in the area and a quick trip down the road will also take you to Ava’s gravesite.

My husband and I went here and loved it. My sister came to visit from Massachusetts and I brought her there. She loved it. A lot of history about Ava.

Seating was high enough, Ive Had knee replacement in both of my knees. And the Lady said to sit down And see if high enough seats were comfortable enough for me before we paid for admission. So Generous of her!!

Was a great place lots of information about Ava Gardner. The staff was super friendly and informative and the merch was cool!

Wonderful tribute to Ava Gardner and the movie era of long ago. Well worth an hour to visit.

Loved the museum. You should really go if you havent been. Sarah was very informative and sweet.

Great Museum...thank you so much... being from another country Colombia encourage others to visit this town and make a trip to a wonderful Museum... it is the best way to say thank you to such a star and all the Legacy that left behind

Great museum that shows a wide variety of items and is extremely well kept.

Best kept secret in the Eastern US. Hollywood comes to North Carolina!

Really beautiful museum of Avas life! I brought the whole family and even the kids enjoyed looking at everything..Highly recommend to anyone but especially Ava fans!

Amazing story of a beautiful local girl gone Hollywood.

My daughter loved the place.

Lovely exhibits, learned a lot. Never really knew how gorgeous she really was.

The museum was a lot of fun quite fascinating Woman and an extremely informative the guy there was exceptionally knowledgeable and very nice had a wonderful enjoyable time thank you thank you and thank you Ava Gardner wonderful town

Great museum rich with memorabilia.

Great place

Very knowledgeable the clothing the paintings the video clip to give you insight about her and her life it was truly an amazing experience I highly recommend it to anyone on the east coast and therefore especially California

Nicely maintained and items were displayed tastefully

Impressive collection! Bigger than we thought it would be. Very engaging and interesting. My 8-year-old daughter enjoyed doing the scavenger hunt worksheet and learning all about Ava for the first time.

Well worth the $10.

Interesting and not used enough. If you like old movies and especially Eva Gardner this is a must stop.Bit pricey for what they have but you will certainly leave appreciating her and her times.

It was wonderful! Very informative. The short movie before walking around the museum was perfect. Now I need to watch all her movies. Shes buried in the cemetery down the street. So go there too!

Not huge but very worth a visit to see its well-designed exhibits, beautiful costumes and jewelry, personal items, and lots of photos, posters, and biographical info about her early life and romances with other stars. Theres also a great, 20 minute, nicely produced documentary film about her life that runs repeatedly in an adjoining theater.

We love to visit the Museum and take out-of- town company. Fun and such a great reminder of our movie history and its amazing personalities!

A true treasure in Johnston county. Since visiting a couple years ago, Ive watched some of her movies and now that I know her better, plan on going back again to this tribute to her. Set your expectations, it is not like a state museum or expansive, but it is a capture of her life, her glory as a film star. She is buried in cemetery not far from this museum so plan on finding that spot as well.

Not only do you get to see some of her costumes, but you get to know the girl from Smithfield NC.

Interesting exhibit, good film, courteous staff

Wonderful walk through her life.

I have lived in NC and had no idea about Ava Gardner. This museum was awesome. Lots of memorialbia and a neat documentary.

Have been trying to go here for the last two years; the wait was worth it. Extremely informative. All about a hometown girl who hit the big time. The staff was knowledgeable and very polite and did not mind chit-chating (did not hesitate to get my wife some water when needed). Prices are reasonable. I would highly recommend this place, not only to fans of Ava, but to anyone who enjoys the Golden Age of movies.

Wonderful exhibit of a strong talented woman

If you love cinema and live within driving distance this is a must. There is a great breakfast place right across the street (called The Diner) so you can make a fun morning of your visit to Smithfield. The museum itself is small but we spent almost two hours there perusing the collection, talking to staff and watching a fun documentary. I have read many stories about hollywood during this period and have watched countless movies and documentaries, but there is something very visceral about seeing some of the actual physical memorabilia that belonged to Ava and other actors from that time. They have items from Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Deborah Kerr and many others. I honestly didnt know that much about Ava before I went but now I am excited that I have found a new woman with such a colorful and interesting life to learn about. This museum is a great place to visit to truly bring her story to life.

Love this place. Throwback cool bar none. Great staff.

Very nice displays. Taken care of with pride. Well worth the stop

Great place for a date, and to see Ava with the accomplishments she made as an actress !

Great museum with a beautiful collection of memorabilia. Well worth the stop!

Driving from New York to Charleston ...this hidden gem was worth the stop. The musue m will transport you back time.... 18 minute video educational on Avas background lifeTake the slight detour and visit.

It has a wonderfully curated collection. Plan on spending one hour, or more if youre an Ava Gardner fan. Video, personal items, posters, awards and paintings. .. Definitely worth a visit!

Brightmore Independent Retirement Community visited from Wilmington North Carolina and absolutely adored this Museum! Its beautiful! A wonderful representation of a beautiful lady!

Very informative and interesting. Never knew Ava Gardner was from NC.

Very well done museum. The documentary with it was very well done. Good for 1 to 2 hours if you look at everything.

Great exhibit with friendly staff

Quaint clean and very friendly. Downtown Smithfield is surprisingly turning. Awesome! Great smoothie.

Very interesting, good intro movie, fascinating lifestory and collection.

I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with the Ava Gardner museum in Smithfield, NC. Marissa gives you a warm and welcoming feeling as you enter and takes great pride in her knowledge of many of the glamour women from the golden era of Hollywood. Spend an hour there, watch the short documentary and you will appreciate Ava Gardner that much more.

Very beautiful, many things to admire that belonged to Ms. Ava Gardner.

This was very interesting

Amazing hidden treasure. So much to see! Frank Sinatra memorabilia in there too!

Ava Gardner quite possibly could have been NCs 1st fashion/beauty icon. A definite addition to your Places to See Before I Die list. Loved every minute of it. The musuem volunteer was as walking talking Ava Gardner historian. She made my visit even more memorable.

This was a real delight. So many times visits to smaller museums are not rewarding. This was a very professional exhibition space with quality information and items. An hour well spent off the interstate.

Great museum.

Had so much fun!

Interesting museum depicting the life of Ava Gardner. Well worth a visit.

Well worth the visit!

Great rainy day activity today with my girlfriends. I love the glam of this talented beauty from our own Johnson County NC.

Was informative and a nice learning experience for the whole family. I did notice that the staff was not pleasant and seemed annoyed by the presence of children. Also prices have changed and are not reflected online or in brouchures.

A wonderful glimpse into the life & career of a legendary star

Fantastic. Donna the docent is a doll!!!

I love Ava Gardner my mom name to me after her

My 75yr old grandfather came to stay for a few weeks with me and was just watching old movies and Hallmark channel he didnt want to do anything that was suggested being new to the area I had no idea about this museum I drove by it and went home asked if he wanted to go and his eyes lit up like a kid at Christmas! We went and the lady at the counter was so pleasant she found us a wheelchair and gave great info. We spent 3hrs there I learned so much and gpa was in heaven he wears his tshirt proudly and tells everyone what a great time he had

Wife loved it. Staff was very courteous.

Wonderful museum dedicated to a truly fascinating woman!

You can get lost looking at her beautiful.

Very informative. Lots of pictures and memorabilia.

Great place to visit with all the exhibits!

It helps you unerstand the history about ava gardner

Loved it so much!!#

Nice side trip from Raleigh!

Loved it

Loved it!!!

A neet stop with lots of information

Beautiful museum and great collection!

A treasure not to be missed.

Fantastic

Closed for a hurricane

Too expensive

Must see

Awesome

AMAZING!!!!

Wonderful experience

Great museum

Cute place great posters

YES MY FAVORITE MOVIE ACTRESS