Memphis · Shelby County, TN

Arts & Culture in Memphis

Scout analyzed 94 Memphis places and surfaced the ones that actually fit arts & culture.

Places analyzed

Matches

Typical spend

$25

Typical visit

2.2 hr

Complete outings

Downtown Music & Dinner Date

Begin your date night with sophisticated sips and bites at Catherine & Mary's, then dive into the vibrant history of Memphis music legends at the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. Conclude your evening with an upscale dinner at McEwen's, enjoying refined Southern dishes.

Memphis Soul & River Views Afternoon

Immerse yourself in the rich history of American soul music at the Stax Museum, then savor classic Memphis fried chicken for lunch. Conclude your afternoon with serene views of the Mississippi River from Tom Lee Park, reflecting on the city's unique cultural tapestry.

Midtown Park & Shell Afternoon

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon starting with Southern-inspired Italian dishes, then immerse yourself in the vibrant local arts scene at the Overton Park Shell. Conclude your outing with a peaceful stroll through the tranquil Japanese Garden within the Memphis Botanic Garden, a perfect way to wind down.

Rock & Soul Afternoon Downtown

Dive into the origins of Memphis music at the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, then savor a classic Southern lunch at a legendary fried chicken spot. Finish your afternoon by soaking in the historic atmosphere and live street performances of Beale Street.

Downtown Civil Rights & Dinner Date

Start your date afternoon with a profound visit to the National Civil Rights Museum, located at the historic Lorraine Motel, offering a deep dive into the movement's history. Conclude with a romantic and sophisticated dinner at Catherine & Mary's, known for its chef-driven Tuscan and Sicilian cuisine in the nearby South Main district.

Best neighborhoods for arts & culture

Ranked by how many matching spots Scout found in each area.

Downtown Memphis

5 matching spots

Midtown

2 matching spots

Whitehaven

1 matching spots

East Memphis

1 matching spots

Audubon Park

1 matching spots

Colonial Acres

1 matching spots

Scout-verified spots

Downtown Memphis

New Daisy Theatre

The New Daisy Theatre is a venue on Beale Street for catching live music or fight nights, often costing $30-$100 per person for a 3-hour event. It pairs well with dinner beforehand on Beale Street.

Live musicSportsArts

$30–$100 typical3 hr visithard parking

Whitehaven

Graceland Soundstage

This venue is good for an evening of live music, typically pairing with dinner beforehand or drinks during the show. Expect to spend a few hours and pay for tickets and concessions.

Live musicFoodCocktails

$50–$150 typical3 hr visiteasy parking

East Memphis

Children's Museum of Memphis

This museum is good for a 2-4 hour family outing with young children, focusing on interactive learning and play. Expect to spend around $15-25 per person, not including gift shop or cafe purchases.

ArtsAnimalsFood

$15–$25 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Midtown

Overton Park Shell

This outdoor shell is ideal for an evening of free live music, often paired with a picnic. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and potentially buy food or drinks, or spend nothing if you bring your own.

Live musicOutdoorsViews

$0–$25 typical2.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Audubon Park

Dixon Gallery & Gardens

Visit the Dixon for a couple of hours to see art and stroll through gardens. It costs about $7-12 per person for admission, suitable as a daytime activity or paired with a nearby meal.

OutdoorsArtsViews

$7–$12 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Colonial Acres

Radians Amphitheater

Radians Amphitheater is an outdoor live music venue. Expect to spend a few hours here, with ticket prices and concessions leading to a typical spend of $30-$100 per person.

Live musicOutdoorsSocial

$30–$100 typical3 hr visitmoderate parking

Midtown

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

This art museum is suitable for a 2-hour visit, costing around $10-20 per person, and can be paired with a nearby lunch or stroll through Overton Park.

ArtsHistoryViews

$10–$20 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Chickasaw Gardens

Memphis Museum of Science & History

This museum is great for a multi-hour family outing or a solo educational visit, exploring history and science exhibits. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and around $15-30 per person for admission, potentially more if adding an IMAX or planetarium show.

ArtsShoppingHistory

$15–$30 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

Downtown Memphis

Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

This museum offers an interactive journey through Memphis music history, typically taking 1.5 hours and costing around $15-18 per person. It's a solid indoor activity, especially suitable for visitors looking to learn about the city's cultural roots.

ArtsHistoryRelaxed

$15–$18 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown Memphis

Beale Street Landing

Visit Beale Street Landing for a relaxed outdoor experience with walking paths and scenic river views. It can be a free outing or cost up to $25 if renting bikes or taking a tour, typically lasting 1.5 to 2 hours.

OutdoorsViewsSports

$0–$25 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown Memphis

Fire Museum of Memphis

This museum is great for a family outing with younger children, offering interactive exhibits on fire safety. Expect to spend about 1.5 hours and around $10-15 per person.

ArtsHistoryEducational

$10–$15 typical2 hr visiteasy parking

South Forum

National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum is ideal for a 3-hour educational visit, costing around $20 per person for admission. It pairs well with a meal in the surrounding downtown area and offers a reflective experience for individuals or families with older children.

ArtsHistoryViews

$18–$20 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown Memphis

Memphis Music Hall of Fame

This museum provides a 1.5-hour indoor experience celebrating Memphis music history, costing around $10-20 per person. It's a good standalone activity for an afternoon or can be paired with other downtown attractions.

ArtsHistoryViews

$10–$20 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking

South Memphis

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Spend a couple of hours exploring the history of soul music at the Stax Museum. This educational outing costs around $15-20 per person and can be paired with a meal in the area.

ArtsHistoryLive music

$15–$20 typical2 hr visiteasy parking