Memphis, USA (Point of interest)

The Memphis Cotton Museum preserves the history of the cotton industry in all its grime and glory. Located in the old Memphis Cotton Exchange, it tells the story of the social impact of the industry, including its influence on music.... Continue reading →

Created by the Smithsonian, the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum charts the birth of rock and soul music. The museum commemorates the great power of music to cross racial and socio-economic boundaries and unite people.... Continue reading →

Beale Street is a mecca for blues fans, as it was here that many bluesmen first performed. Nowadays the famous street is one of Memphis' most popular tourist destinations for its selection of live music venues, museums and bars.... Continue reading →

Memphis' Center for Southern Folklore seeks to preserve the unique culture of the southern states. The organisation aims to make sure the music, culture, arts and rhythms of the south are not diluted as they expand beyond their original birthplace.... Continue reading →

Memphis's definitive gospel showcase takes place twice each Sunday at the Full Gospel Tabernacle. Gospel music was born out of African-American church music and is notoriously joyous, so wear your glad rags and clap hands with an authentic deep-sou... Continue reading →

Gibson Beale Street Showcase opens the doors on one of the world's most famous guitar manufacturers. Visitors see guitars carved, painted, polished and tuned on 45-minute tours and can visit the shop as well at this Beale Street location.... Continue reading →

Memphis' Main Street Trolley offers inexpensive transportation to 34 stops Downtown. The antique cars also provide an enjoyable city tour that passes the Pyramid, the Memphis Riverboat Queen, the South Main Historic District and Beale Street.... Continue reading →

Not actually an island but a peninsular, Mud Island is a popular getaway for Memphis locals. As well as a number of bike trails, it is also possible to hire a pedal boat or raft here.... Continue reading →

The Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King was assassinated, forms part of the National Civil Rights Museum. Exhibits at this South Main museum detail the 1960s battle for equality, King's life and death, and the ongoing fight for civil rights. ... Continue reading →

The only museum in the Americas to be dedicated to metalwork, Memphis' National Ornamental Metal Museum hosts workshops and exhibitions that showcase the art in all its glory. More than 3000 items on display range from filigree to wrought ironwork.... Continue reading →

Since the dawn of the moving picture the Orpheum Theatre has entertained Memphians in luxurious style, with crystal chandeliers, gilded mouldings and a Wurlitzer pipe organ. Today visitors enjoy Broadway productions, ballet, opera and concerts in t... Continue reading →

The eye-catching Pyramid Arena, a gleaming, metallic pyramid on the Mississippi River, is former home to Memphis Grizzlies and University of Memphis basketball. The arena is currently not used for events so can only be admired from outside.... Continue reading →

Site of Stax Records, the Stax Museum downtown honours all the artists that recorded there with interactive and historical exhibits and film clips. There's also music by the likes of Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding and Ike and Tina Turner. Stax Records'... Continue reading →

Tiny Sun Studio played a giant role in rock 'n' roll, recording legends like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Located near Forrest Park, Sun Studio offers tours and sells the music made famous in Memphis. Established b... Continue reading →

Since the collection started in 1976 with a bequest of 26 impressionistic and post-impressionistic paintings, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens has grown into an outstanding collection. More than 2000 paintings, sculptures and decorative objects are no... Continue reading →

Beale Street, the heady stretch of Memphis juke joints that spawned the blues at the turn of the century, hosts the relocated museum home of its undisputed craftsman and father, W C Handy. Profoundly inspired by the hymns in his father's church an... Continue reading →