Founded in 1985, Decorative Arts Trust is the only organization in Memphis solely dedicated to decorative arts. Members aid Memphis Brooks Museum of Art in acquiring objects for the permanent collection as well as developing a community for people who love interior design, art history and architecture.

• Here you will find community with people of all ages and backgrounds who love interior design, collecting and architecture.
• Here you will find inspiration from home tours, expert speakers and design-oriented travel destinations.
• Here you will find legacy of building the permanent collection of decorative arts for the Brooks.

Patron-level members and above are eligible to tour amazing homes and limited access venues that showcase the city's best design and architecture. During these tours, you will often meet the owners, designers and architects behind the beauty – all while enjoying a glass of wine. 

Like to travel? Periodically, our members have the opportunity to go on group trips to interior design and architecture-rich destinations, such as Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York.

Attend in-person presentations by internationally recognized decorative arts authorities. Museum curators, architects, interior designers, gardeners, antiques specialists, historians and more share their experiences in always-fascinating illustrated talks. 

Presentations often include book signings by the author and a wine reception.

We also offer a Masters series, where you learn more about private decorative arts collections in small, members-only setting.

Past speakers include:

Membership dues and private donations have helped acquire over 145 pieces for the permanent collection at the Brooks. We have developed an impressive and global collection of porcelain, silver, textiles, furniture, metalwork, sculpture and glass.

Purchased for our 25th anniversary, the eighteenth century English armchair above is one of our most beloved acquisitions. 

Other standout pieces in our collection include:

See more from the collection >