Memphis named in New York Times 52 Places to Go in 2026

/in , , , , , /by

Memphis, home of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll, has just been listed as one of the 52 Best Places to Go in 2026 in the New York Times. The National Civil Rights Museum Legacy Building (reopening Spring) as well as the Memphis Art Museum (opening in December) were listed as just a few reasons to visit this year.

The destination is set for an unforgettable year in 2026, with a vibrant line-up of major music moments and significant cultural developments.

  • Memphis Art Museum – Opening December 2026

A major cultural moment for the city, the new Memphis Art Museum, designed by Herzog & de Meuron with local firm archimania, will open its doors in December 2026. Built to house the Brooks Museum’s 9,000-piece collection, the state-of-the-art venue will feature a community courtyard which will host events throughout the year, including Dia de los Muertos and ChalkFest, as well as a striking 50,000 sq ft rooftop sculpture park overlooking the Mississippi River. Memphis Art Museum is set to become a defining landmark in the city’s cultural landscape.

  • Metal Museum – Relocating to the iconic Overton Park

Spring 2026 will see the reopening of the Metal Museum in its new Overton Park location. As the only institution in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to fine metalwork, the expanded space will enhance visitor experiences with exhibitions featuring sculpture, architectural ironwork, jewellery and more.

  • National Civil Rights Museum – Legacy Building Transformation

The Legacy Building of the National Civil Rights Museum, also known as the Boarding House where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s alleged assassin laid in wait and fired the fatal shot, enters a powerful new era with reimagined exhibitions inspired by King’s book ‘Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?’. The renovation introduces interactive digital displays and new storytelling focused on the Poor People’s Campaign and the Freedom Award, further strengthening the museum’s global significance.

  • 2026 Music Moments in Memphis

Overton Park will celebrate 125 years as one of Memphis’ most cherished green spaces, offering scenic forest trails, open-air concert venues, and iconic cultural institutions – the Overton Park Shell where Elvis made his debut and the rock ‘n’ roll era began. In 2026, the anniversary will be marked with special programming, including guided tours, live music performances at the Overton Park Shell, and family-friendly events, making it the perfect destination to explore Memphis’ history, culture and natural beauty. Meanwhile, RiverBeat, now in its third year, is set to bring the party to the musical city of Memphis on the first weekend of May. The past two renditions have seen global greats take over the stage, including The Fugees, Odesza, Jelly Roll, Missy Elliott and The Killers rocking the Mississippi Riverfront.

Click here for more Memphis travel ideas and itinerary inspiration.