Memphis: Where Music, Art, and Culture Create Magic
Growing up in the small down of Clarksdale, Mississippi, Memphis, Tennessee was our closest city, only sixty miles “up” Highway 61. And in time, I would come to know it not as just a city but also as a living, breathing testament to American culture. From the hallowed halls of Graceland to world-class art museums and unforgettable cultural experiences, Memphis offers visitors a journey through the heart and soul of the South. Whether you're a music lover, art enthusiast, or cultural explorer, this vibrant city on the Mississippi River delivers experiences that will stay with you long after you leave.
Graceland: The Crown Jewel of Memphis
No visit to Memphis is complete without experiencing Graceland, the legendary home of Elvis Presley. And what many call the “Heart of the South.” This 13.8-acre estate isn't just a mansion—it's a pilgrimage site for music lovers worldwide. The moment you step through the famous Music Gates, you're transported into the world of the King of Rock 'n' Roll.
The mansion tour takes you through Elvis's private world, from the iconic Jungle Room with its waterfall and exotic décor to the Meditation Garden where Elvis rests alongside his family. The recently expanded complex includes Elvis Presley's Memphis entertainment complex, featuring restaurants, shops, and exhibits that showcase everything from his cars and planes to his stage costumes and gold records.
Don't miss the interactive iPad tour narrated by John Stamos, which brings Elvis's story to life with rare footage and photographs. And don’t miss the classic photos by William Eggleston, who precisely captured Elvis’ wold in 1983 through his signature dye-transfer process. Auditory and visual experiences are both intimate and grand, allowing you to understand not just Elvis the performer, but Elvis the man who called Memphis home.
Elvis Presley fiddles with an electric bass inside Graceland in this photograph published March 7, 1965, in the first issue of Mid-South, the now-defunct Sunday magazine of The Commercial Appeal. Elvis had misgivings about allowing pictures to be made inside his home. "It's not that I don't want pictures," he said. "You know what I mean. Some people might think I am looking for publicity or trying to exploit my home. I certainly don't want anyone to think that."
Charles Nicholas / The Commercial Appeal
Art Museums: Memphis's Cultural Treasures
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art stands as the South's oldest and largest fine arts museum, housing over 10,000 works spanning 5,000 years of art history. Located in Overton Park, this architectural gem showcases everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces.
The museum's collection includes impressive works by Monet, Renoir, and Picasso, alongside significant American art from the 18th century to today. The Brooks particularly excels in its collection of decorative arts, featuring exquisite examples of American furniture, silver, and ceramics. Their rotating exhibitions consistently bring world-class art to Memphis, making each visit a new discovery.
Dixon Gallery and Gardens
For a more intimate art experience, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens offers a perfect blend of fine art and natural beauty. This former private estate showcases an outstanding collection of French and American Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including works by Degas, Monet, and Cassatt.
The 17 acres of beautifully maintained gardens provide a serene backdrop to the gallery experience. From the formal English garden to the cutting garden bursting with seasonal blooms, the grounds are as much a work of art as the paintings inside. The Dixon frequently hosts special exhibitions and educational programs that make art accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.
Metal Museum
Unique to Memphis, the Metal Museum celebrates the artistry of metalwork in all its forms. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, this specialized museum showcases everything from ancient armor to contemporary sculptures, all crafted from metal.
The museum features working studios where visitors can watch blacksmiths and metalsmiths create art before their eyes. The permanent collection includes decorative ironwork, jewelry, and large-scale sculptures, while the museum's repair and conservation services help preserve metal artifacts from around the world. The riverside location provides stunning views that complement the artistic experience.
Cultural Experiences: The Soul of Memphis
Beale Street: America's Most Famous Street
Beale Street pulses with the rhythm of Memphis, offering an authentic taste of the city's musical heritage. This historic district comes alive at night with blues, jazz, and rock 'n' roll pouring from every doorway. Visit legendary venues like B.B. King's Blues Club or the New Daisy Theatre to experience live music in its most authentic form.
During the day, explore the street's history through its museums and monuments. The Beale Street landing area offers beautiful river views and often hosts festivals and outdoor concerts that showcase Memphis's continuing musical evolution.
Sun Studio: The Birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll
Step into musical history at Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and countless other legends recorded their breakthrough songs. The guided tours reveal the intimate studio where the "Million Dollar Quartet" jam session took place and where Sam Phillips discovered the sound that would change music forever.
The studio still operates as a working recording facility, and you might catch contemporary artists laying down tracks in the same space where rock 'n' Roll was born. The tour includes listening to rare recordings and seeing the original equipment that captured those iconic sounds.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
The Stax Museum celebrates the golden age of American soul music with over 2,000 exhibits, films, and interactive displays. Built on the original site of Stax Records, the museum tells the story of artists like Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Booker T. & the M.G.'s who created the "Memphis Sound."
The museum's crown jewel is Isaac Hayes's custom Cadillac Eldorado, completely covered in gold-colored fur. Interactive exhibits let visitors try their hand at mixing songs or dancing to classic soul tracks, making this a truly immersive cultural experience.
Stax Museum, a story about talent, hustle, and soul.
National Civil Rights Museum
Located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, the National Civil Rights Museum provides a powerful and moving journey through American civil rights history. The museum's exhibits chronicle the struggle for civil rights from slavery through the modern civil rights movement.
The experience is both educational and emotional, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the ongoing fight for equality and justice. The museum's location adds profound significance to the experience, making it an essential cultural stop in Memphis.
Photos by Memphis’ own African American photographer Ernest Withers.
Planning Your Memphis Cultural Journey
Memphis rewards visitors who take time to explore beyond the obvious attractions. Many of the city's cultural sites are clustered in walkable areas, making it easy to combine multiple experiences in a single day. The Memphis trolley system provides convenient transportation between major cultural attractions.
Consider timing your visit to coincide with one of Memphis's many festivals, such as Memphis in May or the Beale Street Music Festival, when the city's cultural energy reaches its peak. These events showcase Memphis's continuing role as a cultural innovator while celebrating its rich heritage.
