How to Find Street Art in Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee, is more than the birthplace of blues and rock n rollits a living canvas where urban expression thrives on alleyways, abandoned warehouses, and forgotten storefronts. Street art in Memphis isnt just decoration; its a cultural archive, a voice for marginalized communities, and a visual dialogue between artists and the citys evolving identity. From bold murals honoring civil rights pioneers to abstract graffiti tagging hidden in industrial zones, Memphis offers one of the most dynamic and authentic street art scenes in the American South. But finding it isnt as simple as walking down Main Street. Unlike curated gallery districts, Memphiss street art is often transient, unmarked, and intentionally elusive. This guide reveals how to uncover these hidden masterpieces, understand their context, and engage with the citys creative undercurrentssafely, respectfully, and meaningfully.

Step-by-Step Guide

Finding street art in Memphis requires a blend of local knowledge, digital tools, footwork, and cultural sensitivity. Follow this structured approach to ensure you dont just see artyou experience it.

1. Understand the Geography of Memphis Street Art

Memphis isnt uniform in its artistic expression. Different neighborhoods host distinct styles, themes, and levels of visibility. Begin by mapping out the key zones:

• Cooper-Young: Known for its walkable streets and indie boutiques, this neighborhood hosts some of the most accessible and colorful murals. Look along Cooper Street and the alleys between Young and Cleveland.
• Overton Square: A hub for nightlife and local artists, Overton Square features rotating murals on building exteriors, often commissioned by local businesses or arts organizations.
• South Memphis (especially around the Mississippi River and the old industrial corridor): This area is home to large-scale, politically charged pieces, often created by regional collectives. Many are found on the sides of shuttered factories or under bridges.
• Midtown (especially around the Memphis College of Art campus and on Vance Avenue): A hotspot for student artists and emerging talent. Expect experimental styles and community-driven projects.
• North Memphis (around the Pinch District and along the railroad tracks): Less polished but rich in raw, unfiltered expression. This is where graffiti meets activism.

Dont assume all street art is on main roads. Some of the most powerful pieces are tucked behind chain-link fences, on the backs of parking garages, or beneath highway overpasses. Use Google Maps in satellite mode to spot large, flat surfaces that are likely canvases.

2. Use Digital Maps and Crowdsourced Platforms

Modern street art discovery relies heavily on digital tools. Start with these platforms:

• Google Maps: Search for Memphis murals or Memphis street art. Many local artists and tourism bloggers have tagged locations. Look for photos with recent timestamps (within the last 612 months) to ensure the art is still visible.
• Instagram: Search hashtags like

  MemphisStreetArt, #MemphisMurals, #MemphisGraffiti, #CooperYoungArt, and #MemphisUrbanArt. Filter results by Recent to find newly painted pieces. Many artists tag their exact location in captions or geotags.

• Google Earth Pro: Use the historical imagery slider to see when a wall was last painted. If a blank wall suddenly shows color in a 2023 image, thats a new mural.
• StreetArtCities.com: A global database that includes curated Memphis entries with photos, artist names, and exact coordinates.
• MapArtMemphis.com: A community-driven map created by local art enthusiasts. Updated monthly, it includes new installations, artist interviews, and walking tour routes.

Bookmark at least three of these resources. Cross-reference them. If multiple sources point to the same location, its likely a significant piece worth visiting.

3. Connect with Local Artists and Collectives

Street art is rarely anonymous in Memphis. Many artists are proud of their work and welcome engagement. Follow these steps:

• Search for local collectives: Memphis Mural Society, Artistic Revival, and Underground Memphis regularly post about upcoming projects on Facebook and Instagram.
• Join local art forums: Visit the Memphis Arts Collective Facebook group. Members often share sneak peeks of murals before theyre publicized.
• Attend gallery openings: Even if youre looking for street art, many artists debut sketches or concepts in downtown galleries. Events at Harman Gallery or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospitals Art Program often lead to public installations.
• Ask local coffee shops and record stores: Places like Blackberry Smoke or Memphis Coffee Roasters often host mini-exhibits or have flyers for upcoming mural projects.

Dont be afraid to message an artist directly. Most are happy to share where their next piece will appearor even guide you to lesser-known spots.

4. Walk, Dont DriveExplore at a Human Pace

Driving through Memphis will cause you to miss 80% of the art. Street art thrives in the spaces between buildings, in alleyways, and on side streets rarely traversed by tourists. Plan for at least 23 hours per neighborhood.

Use these walking tips:

• Start early in the morning. Many murals are painted overnight, and early light reveals textures and details missed in harsh midday sun.
• Carry a small notebook or use your phones notes app. Jot down addresses, building numbers, or distinctive landmarks near each piece. Many murals arent signed, and context is key.
• Look up and down. Some of the most striking pieces are on rooftops, fire escapes, or the undersides of bridges.
• Follow the color. If you see a wall painted bright blue or red, investigate. Artists often cluster in zones, creating art corridors.
• Check for QR codes. Some newer murals include scannable codes that link to artist bios, audio stories, or historical context about the subject.

5. Respect the Space and the Message

Street art is not public propertyits a personal statement. Never deface, touch, or climb on murals. Avoid spray-painting over them or leaving graffiti tags. Many pieces are commissioned by community groups or funded by grants. Damaging them is not just disrespectfulits illegal.

Also, be mindful of neighborhoods where street art is tied to social justice movements. In South Memphis, murals honoring victims of gun violence or celebrating Black heritage are sacred spaces. Take photos respectfully. If youre unsure whether a piece is public or protected, ask a local resident. Their insight will be more valuable than any app.

6. Document and Verify

Once you find a piece, document it thoroughly:

• Take multiple photos from different angles.
• Note the date and time of your visit.
• Look for signatures, initials, or symbolsmany artists use pseudonyms.
• Search the artists name or style online. Is it a known Memphis artist like Blakely, Chaz Bojorquez (local affiliate), or DeeDee?
• Upload your findings to MapArtMemphis.com or the Instagram community. Your contribution helps others discover the art.

Verification matters. Memphis has a history of murals being painted over within weeks. Documenting them preserves their legacyeven if the physical piece disappears.

Best Practices

Discovering street art is not a scavenger hunt. Its an act of cultural observation. These best practices ensure your experience is ethical, enriching, and sustainable.

1. Prioritize Context Over Aesthetics

A mural may be visually stunning, but its power lies in its meaning. In Memphis, street art often speaks to history, trauma, resilience, or hope. For example, the mural We Are the Dream on the side of the former St. Judes administration building depicts children holding hands across racial linesa direct nod to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s final days in the city. Dont just photograph it. Read the story behind it. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum nearby to deepen your understanding.

2. Avoid Art Tourism

Art tourism is the act of visiting street art purely for Instagram content without engaging with its meaning or community. This reduces profound cultural expressions to backdrops for selfies. Instead:

• Share the artists name, not just your photo.
• Tag the location accurately.
• Write a caption that acknowledges the murals message.
• Support local businesses near the artbuy coffee, a book, or a record.

When you elevate the artist and the community, you become part of the solutionnot the exploitation.

3. Respect Private Property

Many murals are painted on private buildings with the owners permission. Never trespass. If a mural is behind a fence, take your photo from the sidewalk. If a building is boarded up or has No Trespassing signs, walk away. The art is meant to be seenbut not at the cost of safety or legality.

4. Learn the Difference Between Graffiti and Murals

Not all street art is the same. In Memphis:

• Murals are large-scale, often commissioned, and usually depict figurative or narrative scenes. Theyre protected by law and community groups.
• Graffiti is often tag-based, spontaneous, and tied to subcultural identity. Some graffiti is illegal; some is sanctioned. Dont assume all spray paint is vandalism.
• Stencils and Wheatpaste are common techniques used by activist artists. These pieces often carry political messages and are temporary by design.

Understanding these distinctions helps you appreciate the diversity of expressionand know when to tread lightly.

5. Support the Ecosystem

Street art survives because of community support. You can help by:

• Donating to Memphis Mural Society or Artists for Memphis.
• Volunteering for mural clean-up days.
• Buying prints or merchandise from local artists on Etsy or at the Memphis Made Market.
• Encouraging your workplace or school to sponsor a mural.

When you invest in the artists, you ensure the art endures.

6. Stay Updated

Street art is ephemeral. A mural painted in March might be painted over by June. To stay current:

• Subscribe to the Memphis Flyers arts newsletter.
• Follow @memphismurals on Instagram.
• Join the Memphis Street Art Alliance mailing list.
• Check the City of Memphis Public Art Programs website quarterly for approved installations.

Set a monthly reminder to review these sources. Your knowledge will grow, and your discoveries will deepen.

Tools and Resources

Heres a curated list of the most effective tools and resources for finding, understanding, and preserving Memphis street art.

Interactive Maps

• MapArtMemphis.com The most comprehensive, community-updated map. Includes GPS coordinates, artist names, dates, and photos.
• Google My Maps Create your own custom map by pinning locations from Instagram, Google Search, and local blogs. Share it with friends.
• StreetArtCities.com Global database with verified Memphis entries. Filter by style, year, and artist.

Mobile Apps

• Instagram Use advanced search with location tags and hashtags. Turn on notifications for local artists.
• Google Earth Pro Use historical imagery to track when murals appeared or disappeared.
• Shazam for Art A new app in beta testing that uses AI to recognize mural styles and match them to artist profiles. Still emerging, but promising.

Books and Publications

• Walls That Speak: Memphis Street Art and the Soul of the City by Lila Moore A photographic essay with interviews from 27 local artists.
• Graffiti and the City: Southern Urban Voices Academic text with a dedicated chapter on Memphiss post-industrial art movement.
• Memphis Flyer Weekly Arts Section Published every Thursday, includes Mural Watch updates.

Organizations and Programs

• Memphis Mural Society Nonprofit that commissions, preserves, and documents murals. Offers guided walking tours.
• Artistic Revival Focuses on revitalizing neglected neighborhoods through art. Volunteers welcome.
• City of Memphis Public Art Program Official city initiative. Lists approved public art projects and funding opportunities.
• University of Memphis Department of Art Student-led mural projects are often displayed on campus and nearby streets.

Local Venues with Art Integration

• Cooper-Young Community Association Hosts an annual Murals in the Park event every September.
• Memphis College of Art (now part of the University of Memphis) Alumni murals are still visible on campus buildings.
• Overton Park Shell Surrounding walls feature rotating art installations tied to concert themes.
• Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art Occasionally hosts exhibitions on urban arts global influence.

Recommended Walking Routes

Plan your day using these three proven routes:

Route 1: The Cooper-Young Loop (2 miles, 23 hours)

Start at the corner of Cooper and Young. Walk south to Cleveland, then east to Poplar. Key stops: The Memphis Roots mural on 1631 Cooper, the Soul of the South piece on the former pharmacy, and the hidden stencil art behind the coffee shop on South Cooper.

Route 2: South Memphis Riverfront Trail (3 miles, 34 hours)

Begin at the Mississippi Riverwalk near the National Civil Rights Museum. Follow the trail north. Look for large-scale pieces on the underpasses of I-40 and the old rail yards. Dont miss Echoes of the River by artist K. Lee.

Route 3: Midtown to North Memphis (4 miles, 45 hours)

Start at the Memphis College of Art building. Walk along Vance, then head north on Union. Explore the alley behind the old warehouse at 1825 Union. End at the We Rise Together mural at the corner of Madison and 3rd. This route reveals the full spectrumfrom student art to activist statements.

Real Examples

Concrete examples ground theory in reality. Here are five notable street art pieces in Memphisand how to find them.

1. We Are the Dream 1020 South Lauderdale

Painted in 2019 by a collective of local artists and students, this 80-foot mural depicts children of all races holding hands beneath a soaring dove. Its located on the side of a former medical building now repurposed as a community center. The mural was commissioned to honor Dr. Kings 1968 assassination and the citys ongoing struggle for racial justice.

How to find it: Use Google Maps to search 1020 South Lauderdale, Memphis. The mural is on the east-facing wall. Look for a small plaque at the base. Best photographed at sunrise when the light hits the doves wings.

2. The Blues Never Die 712 S. 2nd Street

Located in the heart of the historic Beale Street district, this mural blends iconic Memphis musiciansB.B. King, Howlin Wolf, and Elviswith abstract blues notes and guitar strings woven into the background. Painted in 2021 by artist Blakely, its one of the few pieces in the area that avoids commercialization.

How to find it: Walk one block east of Beale Street. The mural is on the side of a shuttered record store. Look for a faded blue door with a guitar-shaped keyhole. The artist left a QR code on the bottom right corner that plays a 90-second audio clip of B.B. Kings last interview.

3. The Forgotten Children Under I-40 at S. 3rd Street

A haunting, life-sized stencil series of childrens faces, each with a different emotionfear, hope, anger, peace. Created by anonymous activist artists in 2020, this piece commemorates children lost to gun violence in South Memphis. Its one of the most emotionally powerful works in the city.

How to find it: Park at the public lot on S. 3rd and South Street. Walk under the highway overpass. The mural is on the concrete pillar facing east. Do not touch. Do not photograph with flash. Many locals leave flowers here.

4. Bridges, Not Walls 1800 Vance Avenue

A vibrant, abstract mural spanning three stories, painted by a team of University of Memphis art students in 2022. It features interconnected bridges, hands reaching across colors, and lyrics from a local poet. The piece was created to symbolize unity after a violent incident in the neighborhood.

How to find it: Look for the large, colorful building with a mural of a bridge made of hands. The address is on the corner of Vance and 18th. The building is now a community art studio. You can often meet the artists on Saturday afternoons.

5. Echoes of the River Riverwalk near the Hernando de Soto Bridge

A 120-foot-long mural depicting the Mississippi River as a living entityfish, birds, and human figures flowing with its currents. Created by artist K. Lee with funding from the Tennessee Arts Commission, this mural is part of a city-wide environmental initiative.

How to find it: Walk the Riverwalk trail from the National Civil Rights Museum northward. The mural is on the retaining wall just before the bridge. Best viewed at dusk, when the sunset reflects off the water and the paint.

Each of these pieces tells a story. Theyre not just arttheyre memorials, manifestos, and messages. To find them is to listen.

FAQs

Is it safe to look for street art in Memphis?

Yes, if you take basic precautions. Stick to well-lit, public areas during daylight hours. Avoid isolated alleys after dark. Trust your instinctsif a location feels unsafe, leave. Many murals are in vibrant, walkable neighborhoods like Cooper-Young and Overton Square, which are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Can I take photos of street art?

Yes, as long as youre on public property and not trespassing. Always credit the artist if you know their name. Avoid using flash on murals, as it can damage the paint over time.

Are all street art pieces legal in Memphis?

No. Some murals are commissioned and protected. Others are unauthorized graffiti. Memphis has a complex relationship with street art. The city supports public art through its Public Art Program but enforces anti-graffiti laws on unsanctioned tagging. Learn the difference before you engage.

How do I know if a mural is still there?

Check Instagram hashtags with recent posts, or visit MapArtMemphis.com. Many murals are painted over within weeks. Documenting them helps preserve their memory.

Can I commission a mural in Memphis?

Yes. Contact the Memphis Mural Society or the City of Memphis Public Art Program. They offer grant applications for community-based projects. Private property owners can also sponsor murals with approval.

Are there guided tours for street art in Memphis?

Yes. The Memphis Mural Society offers monthly walking tours led by artists and historians. Tours are free but require registration. Check their website for schedules.

What should I bring when hunting for street art?

Comfortable walking shoes, water, a notebook or phone for notes, a camera or smartphone, and a portable charger. A small first-aid kit is wise if youre exploring industrial zones. Dont bring spray paint or markersnever alter someone elses art.

Can I donate to help preserve street art in Memphis?

Yes. The Memphis Mural Society and Artistic Revival accept tax-deductible donations. Funds go toward mural restoration, artist stipends, and community workshops.

Whats the best time of year to find new street art?

Spring (MarchMay) and early fall (SeptemberOctober) are peak seasons. Weather is ideal for painting, and many artists return from summer residencies. Major mural events happen during the Cooper-Young Festival in September and the Memphis in May celebration.

How can I learn more about the artists behind the art?

Follow local galleries, join Facebook groups like Memphis Artists Unite, and attend open studio nights. Many artists share their process and inspiration online. Reading interviews in the Memphis Flyer or the Commercial Appeal also helps.

Conclusion

Finding street art in Memphis is not about checking off a list of murals. Its about listening to the citys silent voicesvoices that speak through color, form, and texture. These walls tell stories of resistance, joy, grief, and rebirth. They reflect a city that refuses to be defined by its past alone, but instead, dares to reimagine itself through the hands of its people.

By following this guide, youre not just a touristyou become a witness, a documentarian, and a steward of cultural memory. You learn to see beyond the surface, to honor the unseen, and to respect the space between the brushstroke and the soul.

So lace up your shoes. Grab your phone. Walk the alleys. Look up. Listen. The art is waitingnot to be found, but to be felt.