Walking down Second Street in Memphis, you might expect to see the usual downtown mix of office buildings and storefronts. What you’ll actually discover is something far more colorful—a vibrant outdoor gallery that transforms ordinary city blocks into canvases telling the story of Music City’s artistic soul.
Memphis has quietly become one of the South’s best-kept secrets for street art lovers. While everyone talks about Nashville’s Instagram-famous murals, Memphis offers something different: authentic street art that feels lived-in, community-driven, and refreshingly unpretentious.
For more on Murals & Street Art, see here. Photographs by Manjusree.
Why Memphis Street Art Hits Different
There’s something special about discovering art where you least expect it. Memphis murals aren’t just pretty backdrops—they’re conversations between artists and the community, painted declarations of local pride, and colorful chapters in the city’s ongoing story. You won’t find tour buses crowding around these walls, which means you can actually take your time and appreciate what you’re seeing.
The best part? This entire outdoor gallery is free, open 24/7, and waiting right outside your car door.
Starting Your Adventure on Second Street
Second Street makes the perfect jumping-off point for your mural hunt. As you stroll toward East Carolina Avenue, you’ll notice splashes of color emerging from unexpected corners. The artwork here gives you a taste of what Memphis artists are all about—bold, unapologetic, and deeply connected to the city’s musical roots.
Don’t rush this part. Some of the most interesting pieces are tucked into side alleys and building corners where you might walk right past if you’re not paying attention.
Must-See Spots for Your Walking Tour
The Sterick Building Collection
Head to the corner of Madison Avenue, and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with some seriously impressive wall art. Local artists Kyle Taylor, Brandon Donahue, and Brandon Marshall collaborated on these pieces, creating a collection that feels both professional and deeply personal. This isn’t guerrilla art slapped up overnight—it’s thoughtful, community-supported artwork that adds genuine character to the neighborhood.
Broad Avenue’s Showstopper
If you want to see ambition painted large, make your way to Broad Avenue Arts District. There’s a 200-foot mural there by French artist Guillaume Alby (who goes by REMED) that’ll make you stop dead in your tracks. Painted back in 2011, it’s held up beautifully and shows just how international Memphis’s art scene has become.
The Edge District’s Ever-Changing Canvas
Here’s where things get really interesting. The Edge District hosts Paint Memphis every year, bringing in about 100 artists from around the world to create new murals. This means the neighborhood is constantly evolving—come back in six months and you might discover entirely new artwork covering walls you thought you knew.
Making the Most of Your Mural Walk
Start Early or Stay Late: The golden hours of early morning and late afternoon aren’t just Instagram clichés—they genuinely make the colors pop and give you softer shadows for photos. Plus, you’ll have the streets more to yourself.
Bring Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing more walking than you think, especially if you get caught up in following interesting alleyways and side streets.
Don’t Just Drive By: While you can spot some murals from your car, the real discoveries happen on foot. Park downtown and give yourself permission to wander.
Respect the Neighborhood: These aren’t theme park attractions—they’re part of real neighborhoods where people live and work. Be courteous, don’t block business entrances for photos, and remember that some of the most interesting art might be in residential areas.
Beyond the Paint: What Makes Memphis Murals Special
What sets Memphis apart from other mural destinations is the storytelling. You’ll find pieces that honor the city’s civil rights history, celebrate its legendary music scene, and capture the everyday life of Memphis residents. Artists like Maurice Lovelace, Nosey, and George Hunt create works that feel like visual biographies of the city itself.
This isn’t art created for tourists—it’s art created by and for the community that happens to be beautiful enough to attract visitors. That authenticity comes through in every brushstroke.
Planning Your Perfect Memphis Art Day
Time Investment: Give yourself at least half a day if you really want to explore. You can hit the highlights in a couple hours, but the best discoveries happen when you’re not rushing.
Weather Considerations: Memphis weather can be intense in summer, so spring and fall offer the most comfortable walking conditions. Winter works too—you’ll just have shorter daylight hours.
Combine Your Visit: Memphis’s mural scene pairs perfectly with the city’s other attractions. Start with street art in the morning, hit Beale Street for lunch, or combine your walk with a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum.
Guided Tours Available: If you want deeper context and stories behind the artwork, professional tours can connect you with artists and community leaders who’ll share insights you’d never discover on your own.
A Living, Breathing Art Scene
Here’s what makes Memphis street art genuinely exciting: it’s alive. New pieces appear regularly, existing murals evolve, and the annual Paint Memphis festival means there’s always something fresh to discover. This isn’t a static attraction—it’s a living art scene that grows and changes with the community.
Whether you’re a Memphis local who’s never really paid attention to the walls around you, or a visitor looking for something authentic to explore, Second Street and the surrounding downtown area offer a perfect introduction to one of the South’s most genuine artistic communities.
Ready to Explore?
Memphis street art rewards the curious and the unhurried. These murals tell stories—of struggle and celebration, of tradition and innovation, of a city that’s never been afraid to express itself boldly. All you need is comfortable shoes, an open mind, and maybe a camera to capture the moments that surprise you.
The walls are waiting. Your Memphis mural adventure starts whenever you decide to look up and really see what’s been there all along.
Pro tip: Memphis’s street art scene connects beautifully with the city’s music heritage, civil rights history, and Mississippi riverfront charm. Consider making mural hunting part of a larger Memphis exploration—the city’s compact downtown makes it easy to walk between attractions and discover unexpected art along the way.
Related Memphis Art and Culture Resources
- Memphis Brooks Museum of Art – Fine art collections and rotating exhibitions
- Memphis College of Art – Local art education and student showcases
- Cooper-Young Arts Festival – Annual celebration of Memphis creativity
- South Main Arts District – Gallery walks and artist studios
- Memphis Music and Heritage Festival – Where music meets visual arts
- Overton Park – Outdoor art installations and cultural events
- Memphis Farmers Market – Local artisan crafts and community art
For the latest Memphis events, art openings, and cultural happenings, check Choose901 and Memphis Magazine.