We wouldn’t say Memphis has had a glow-up, per se, because a destination that’s been a leader for decades already glows. What we would say, though, is that Memphis is having a Big Year with so much to get excited about. Discover what’s new in 2026 and why now’s the time to visit the Home of Blues, Soul & Rock ‘n’ Roll.
With its legendary music history, world-class pork barbecue, and deep civil rights history, Memphis impresses. It always has. Visitors flock to Elvis Presley’s Graceland home, check out Stax Records and Sun Studios, and get their thrills on Beale Street by night.
If there’s one thing you know about Memphis, it’s that the city does not do things by halves. Which is why, in 2026, there is not one big announcement, but several.
Read on to discover what’s new across the city, from reopenings to anniversaries and food to write home about.
National Civil Rights Museum
It was a monumental day in Memphis recently, because on 16 May, the National Civil Rights Museum unveiled its reimagined and newly expanded Legacy Experience, coinciding with the museum’s 35th anniversary.
Housed in the Legacy Building, the expanded exhibitions pick up where the main museum leaves off, tracing the civil rights movement from Dr Martin Luther King Junior’s assassination in 1968 through to the present day.
As visitors explore five immersive thematic galleries, they’ll discover thought-provoking exhibits on poverty, education, housing, gender equality, and nonviolence, weaving history with the urgent questions of today.
The museum’s outdoor spaces have had a glow-up, too, with landscaped reflection areas alongside new seating, sound, and stage capabilities.
The reopening of one of the world’s most significant museums proves a timely reminder of why the National Civil Rights Museum matters as much as ever, continuing MLK’s legacy.
Memphis Art Museum
Arts and culture aficionados are awaiting the opening of the Memphis Art Museum in late 2026.
Besides housing the Brooks Museum of Art’s collection of more than 9,000 artworks spanning 5,000 years, the state-of-the-art building is celebratory in itself. Local designers archimania have worked alongside International architectural giants Herzog & de Meuron to create a stunning masterpiece.
The museum’s roof will also wow with its five-hectare sculpture park, native plants, and expansive Mississippi River views.
The Metal Museum
Along with being the Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Memphis has long been home to another first: The Metal Museum. It’s the only institution in the United States exclusively devoted to the art and craft of fine metalwork.
In late 2026, the Metal Museum will move from its original location in South Memphis to Overton Park. Founded by artist-blacksmith James Wallace, collections span architectural ironwork, jewellery, and sculpture.
The museum’s new site will be three times the size of its original space, with a purpose-built metal workshop in its centre so visitors can watch the craft in action.
Hattiloo Theatre
Another Big Deal in Memphis this year: the 20-year anniversary of Hattiloo Theatre. In the heart of Memphis’s Overton Square Performing Arts District, Hattiloo Theatre is the only freestanding Black repertory theatre in five surrounding states, offering an incredible performing arts experience.
Alongside large-scale shows like Dreamgirls and Jubilee, original productions by Hattiloo’s founder, Ekundayo Bandele and award-winning playwright Katori Hall are ones to snag tickets for if your dates align.
New bites
What better accompaniment to Memphis’s huge milestones for visitors than new bites to fuel you up between attractions?
Always evolving and innovative, include these new eateries in your Memphis itinerary:
- KUYA : This 2025 pop-up is now a Filipino snack bar in its own right in downtown Memphis. Try delectable treats like jollyburger lumpia, adobo rice bowl, and sisig baboy with sliced pork belly. Finish with KUYA’s popular Filipino dessert, halo-halo.
- Maru Handroll Bar: Sushi lovers rejoice at Memphis’ first handroll bar. Enjoy Maru’s cone-shaped-wrapped sushi with many ingredients flown in from Japan. The maguro and hamachi crudo options are popular menu items.
- Lao Sze Chuan: Get your (food) kicks at Lao Sze Chuan, the city’s new Sichuan restaurant. Located in the Ridgeway Trace Shopping Center, the menu includes spicy Sichuan favourites like kung pao chicken, dan dan noodles, and full oven-roasted Peking duck.
- Fuego Vivo: Treat yourself to an elevated dining experience at Fuego Vivo, where dramatic tableside cooking, beautifully plated upscale dishes, and a sophisticated interior set the tone for a memorable meal. East Memphis is having a major food moment, and Fuego Vivo deserves a place at the top of your must-try list.
- Tonica Tapas & Cocktails (Downtown): The popularity of Tonica’s Mediterranean-inspired tapas, fresh pastas, and shareable plates has led to the opening of their second location downtown. Chic and trendy, it’s ideal for brunch, lunch, dinner, a pre-theatre meal (the Orpheum is close by) or for Tonica’s signature cocktails and spritzes.
- Cxffeeblack: Cxffeeblack’s new flagship café recently opened, offering a community space with connection, cultural storytelling, and coffee (of course) at its core. Enjoy roasted beans from across Africa to honour coffee’s roots and local events tied to the husband-and-wife owner’s mission of centring Black participation in the coffee world.
Learn more
Explore more of the best of this iconic city at Memphis Travel, where you’ll find itinerary suggestions, hotel inspo, and a handy events calendar.
Once inspired, contact your preferred travel advisor to book.
This article is brought to you by Memphis Travel.
