10 Lesser-Known Memphis Murals

10 Lesser-Known Memphis Murals

These 10 Memphis murals aren't the biggest, flashiest or most well-known, but they're some of my favorites. I suppose that techinically, they aren't all murals, but they're each iconic in their own way and perfect for photo ops.
 

Squirrels, Memphis, Tenn.

I have no idea who's been painting these balloon toting squirrels and bubble blowing raccoons all over town, but I like them. They're nice surprises.

Victory, Memphis, Tenn.

Victory Bicycle Studio moved from its original location on Young to a new shop on Broad about a year ago, but the mural on the side of their original building remains. It's a great place for a photo ops of triumphant occasions. (Young Ave.)

Good Morning Judge, Memphis, Tenn.

I love that this guitar-toting, judge-facing man has a halo. (Pontotc Street)

Marshall, Memphis, Tenn.

These super bright panels add a lot of color to Marshall Ave. (aka, that weird side street that runs diagonally from Sun Studio between Union and Madison).

Midtown is Our Memphis, Memphis, Tenn.

The Midtown is our Memphis mural (painted by Memphis College of Art students) popped up on the side of the discount gas station next to the Hi-Tone earlier this year. (Rembert and Poplar)

There is Hope, Memphis, Tenn.

There is, indeed. (Cleveland between Union and Poplar)

Soulsville, Memphis, Tenn.

The iconic mural on the side of the Stax Museum is one of my favorites. It's simple, mod and a great place to shoot an album cover.

Lucky Heart, Memphis, Tenn.

Lucky Heart Cosmetics is one of the oldest surviving manufacturers of African-American beauty supplies. The company was founded just after World War I and are still based in Memphis. Their location has moved around, but their giant mural, which reads "Lucky Heart: Thank you for our blessings" is still intact. (S. Main and Huling)

Memphis is Tennessee, Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis isn't just Memphis. It's totally the heart of Tennessee. (Hollywood and Sam Cooper)

Invest in Good tImes, Memphis, Tenn.

This is probably my all-time favorite piece of Memphis street art. When something is done with the Tennessee Brewery building, I hope that this is preserved and installed somewhere amazing, as it's a nice reminder of what's important: investing in good times. (Tennessee St.)

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Alyssa
These are awesome!!! I need to go on a hunt one day and find them :) Thanks for compiling thsi list, I'm always fascinated by the artwork left behind around Memphis.
November 7, 2012 1:23pm
melynda
There is a WONDERFUL mural painting on the culvert (i think that is what it is called) that is between East high school and the la baguette/Seize the clay shopping center near the main library.  It is HUGE, and is an extremely detailed painting of the exoskeleton of a mouse.  Complete with bone names and species, etc.  I was SHOCKED when i saw it and took pictures, but that was several months ago.  I assume its still there, but not positive. 
November 7, 2012 1:25pm
Terri
My daughter LOVES the squirrels. We haven't seen the racoons. She was so sad when the squirrel at Poplar and Ridgeway Loop underpass was painted over recently by the city in some kind of clean up effort we suppose. He had so much more character than the beige blob they left in his place. 
November 7, 2012 1:27pm
Tim Taylor
There are multiple paintings being done on James road where it crosses under the Railroad tracks next to Ellis Park. I don't know the who/what/why but a couple weeks ago I saw people on ladders painting there when I was out driving around. Map Link: http://goo.gl/maps/rsyXg
November 7, 2012 1:33pm
Jarrod
The MCA mural is at Poplar & Tucker, not Rembert. Close enough, though.
November 8, 2012 11:04am
J.M.
I have one for you. You probably will never see this unless you go to Chickasaw Oaks Village & get out of the car!!!! It's in a via duct....                                              Mural at Chickasaw Oaks Village.
November 20, 2012 3:07pm
Charlie
I'm a graffiti artist in Memphis. The guitar guy can be seen in multiple places painted by the famous Nosey artist of the underground graffiti culture. He is very good. Memphis graffiti is one of our biggest cultural aspects and should be preserved not thrown away. They squirrels are street art painted by someone that is still "illegal". I ,personally, do not like the squirrels/raccons because they arent true graffiti in my eyes, but that should be left up to us, not the city to decide what is art. Please stand up for our dying art form and tell Memphis what's right. Let the people decide!  
December 4, 2012 6:55pm
PQ Hudson
LOVE-LOVE-LOVE this post! As a huge fan of Memphis street art, I plan on setting out to explore and track down each of these that I'm not already familiar with. Kerry, your eye for art is simply majestic and the information you give regarding each piece is greatly appreciated!
January 2, 2013 2:56pm
Tracy
These are brilliant. Looking forward to seeing some when I visit from Australia. Loving the web site as well. Found some brilliant things to do in town whilst there. Thank you mate.
May 20, 2013 12:00am
Tracy
Question. With the mural "Memphis isn't just Memphis. It's totally the heart of Tennessee. (Hollywood and Sam Cooper)" Is this on the side of the American Muffler place? I found it on google earth, the street corner Hollywood & Sam Cooper, but just wanting to make sure. A lost Australian is never a good thing :-}. Thanks
May 20, 2013 12:06am
S
The first looks like a banksy <3
August 8, 2013 6:05pm
Olivia
I also love the balloon toting squirrels. One of my favorites has since been conered, but it was something like "now entering hazardous zone" on i-40 as it turned into sam cooper. I actually stopped and took photos one day. 
August 11, 2013 12:42am
Katie
Where is the Victory mural on Young? I don't know the old location for the bicycle studio.
December 25, 2014 8:46am
Holly Whitfield

Should be at 2294 Young Ave, or at least, that's where the old Victory Studio was. I haven't been over in a while to see if it's still there.

December 25, 2014 2:16pm
JRG
memphis is tennessee mural is on broad and hollywood
March 16, 2015 11:13am
Josh Campbell
It's time for an update on this article.
May 8, 2015 8:17pm
susie
I would love to find the guy who did invest in the good times to paint my ugly pool fence! If anyone knows the artist have them email me [email protected]
July 16, 2015 9:59am
Luci
The first painting is a Bansky with the squirrel and raccoon. Look up Saving Bansky on Netflix. Its pretty interesting.
June 19, 2018 10:08pm