We are in the height of Spooky Season, and ready to explore a few of the stranger sites as well as weird things to do in Memphis. Although there is plenty to scare us at home, being Halloween and all, we have put together a list of places that you can visit around the city today that will fill you with a bit of wonder, a bit of whimsy, and a dash of the unexpected. Take in some of this beautiful fall weather and enjoy 5 obscure places around our beautiful city! Enjoy!
1. Baron Von Opperbean’s Exploratorium of Magic Science and the Multiverse — OFF THE WALLS
To describe this amazing experience, words such as whimsy, adventure, sensory overload, and a magical world come to mind. Created by Visual artist, Christopher Reyes at the OFF THE WALLS art Collective, This Experience aims to immerse its participants (each group has a private 1-hour experience) to be fully immersed in multiple interactive worlds, each with their own storyline, soundtrack, themes, and interactive light show based on what and how you want to interact with the installation! You will be blown away!
Location: Off The Walls Arts Collective 358 WALNUT STREET, MEMPHIS, TN 38126
More Info: https://www.christopherreyes.com/bvoe
2. “Big Kids”
Created in 2011, the “Big Kids” Sculptures are permanent art installations created by Rhodes College Students that line the V & E Greenway. These sculptures capture the essence of each season depending on the flowering blooms that surround them. When the flowers are in full bloom, the sculptures appear to be growing beautiful heads of hair, silently celebrating the beautiful landscape. While they are unmarked and quite unobtrusive, these giant sculptures beg for visitors to take a moment and relax, open their eyes, and just enjoy the atmosphere.
Location: Stonewall Avenue, between North Parkway and Faxon Avenue, Crosstown V&E Greenline Memphis, Tennessee, 38112
More Info: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/big-kids-sculptures
3. The Crystal Shrine Grotto
The Fantastical and Wonderous Crystal Shrine Grotto is an absolutely mind-blowing experience! As you enter this psychedelic experience, the haunting tones of harp music welcome you to a mix of expert craftsmanship, incredible stone forms, and interesting religious imagery, make this exceptional and obscure cave is the perfect place to reflect, relax, and escape from the world above. Located in the Memphis Memorial Park Cemetary, was created in the 1930s and is completely man-made.
Location: 5668 Poplar Ave Memphis, Tennessee, 38120
More Info: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-crystal-shrine-grotto-memphis-tennessee
4. Memphis Gong Chamber
The Memphis Gong Chamber is the perfect place for anyone who craves the strange and unusual… in sound form. The Chamber, whose collection of 250 gongs line the room, creates an ambiance of atmospheric soundscapes ranging from the familiar to the downright alien. This chamber was created to assist in and cater to those searching for alternative sound healing, and spiritual communities that incorporate the Gong into their worship practices, however has become incredibly popular with those who are looking for something a little bit different in the City of Soul. It is truly a special place for those looking to find something completely different!
Location: 878 Cooper St. Memphis, Tennessee, 38104
More info: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/memphis-gong-chamber
5. Pink Palace Mansion
For many years, the Pink Palace Mansion located in the Lichterman Nature Center has entertained and wowed its patrons with this incredible collection of somewhat strange, and quirky artifacts from a total reconstruction of the Original Piggly Wiggle Store to an outrageous display in the restored Clyde Park Miniature Circus. In 2016, the exhibit was closed for major renovations and a complete restoration of the 2nd floor which had been closed since 1978.
As of 2020, the attraction has finally been fully restored, including the incredible and Fully refurbished Grand Staircase and Second-floor exhibits, as well as the Cossit Gallery, a recreation of the very first museum in Memphis. Visit now!
Location: Lichterman Nature Center 5992 Quince Road Memphis, TN 38119
More Info: https://www.memphismuseums.org/pink-palace-museum/exhibits/the-mansion-is-now-open/
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