Enrich Your Experience: Cultural Offerings
Memphis has a cultural scene built on its music history, with strong visual arts, theater, and food traditions. Midtown is the center of much of this activity, and a new art museum is opening downtown on the river bluff.
Museums and Galleries
- Memphis Art Museum, the relocated Brooks Museum, opening downtown on the bluff
- Dixon Gallery and Gardens in East Memphis
- National Civil Rights Museum
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- Museum of Science and History at the Pink Palace
- Crosstown Arts at Crosstown Concourse
Performing Arts
- Orpheum Theatre, hosting touring Broadway productions
- Memphis Symphony Orchestra
- Ballet Memphis
- Opera Memphis
- Playhouse on the Square in Overton Square
- Hattiloo Theatre, a Black repertory theater
- Germantown Performing Arts Center
Music Heritage
- Sun Studio, where early rock and roll was recorded
- Graceland, Elvis Presley's home
- Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
- Levitt Shell, a historic outdoor music venue in Overton Park
Culinary Culture
Food is central to Memphis culture. Barbecue is the city's signature, and Memphis-style dry-rub ribs are known nationally. Local events such as Zoo Rendezvous bring restaurants together for tasting nights, and neighborhoods like Cooper-Young and Overton Square are home to many independent restaurants.
Architecture
- Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Midtown, built with the help of Italian artisans
- Historic homes in Central Gardens and Evergreen, many more than 100 years old
- Downtown's Cotton Row and Beale Street historic districts
