What can we learn about Ava through the things she kept? This is the question that guides this exhibit which features items that Ava Gardner collected, kept, or owned herself. The exhibit includes photographs and the folders and boxes Ava used and labeled herself to store them; letters from costars & friends including Gregory Peck & Grace Kelly; books from Ava’s personal library; records from her personal collection; clothes from her wardrobe; personal scrapbooks and more!
One of my favorite items – a date book from 1975 in which Ava recorded her plans and to-dos!
This exhibit looks at the very relatable ways in which Ava ‘archived’ her own life while highlighting the many personal items of Ava’s that the museum archives and preserves. I curated and wrote all of the content for this exhibit with editing and installation assistance from the museum’s staff & exhibits committee.
- Ava Gardner Museum
- 2024
Beth Nevarez Historical Consulting 