Shelby County Schools wants to turn the Brooks Museum of Art’s current Overton Park building into a school.
On Tuesday, Chief Academic Officer Antonio Burt said the district is interested in opening a “true comprehensive high school focusing on the arts and sciences.”
Burt said the district would market the school as “something different” but that would also prioritize “meeting the needs of all of our students.”
However, the City of Memphis currently owns that building, and say that they haven’t been spoken to about the plans.
The Brooks Museum will be moving downtown, and the Memphis College of Art, also on the Overton campus, is closing its doors.
The museum has occupied space at Overton for over 100 years. Issues with the building are a factor in the decision to move the museum Downtown.
Overton neighbors had the chance to weigh in with what they’d like to see replace the museum.
Many people expressed their hopes for themes of continued artistic and educational uses, outdoor art exhibits and community inclusion. Some people want to see another art museum replace the Brooks, while others want to see something less traditional, like a community gathering art space.
A café and wine bar overlooking green space and a hub for sustainable food sources and teaching were also among the ideas.
