South Main Arts District, Memphis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids South Main Arts District
South Main Street (2010)
Location	South Main St. between Beale Street and G.E. Patterson, Memphis, Tennessee

The South Main Arts District is a cool part of Downtown Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee. It's located along South Main Street. This area is known for its history, art, and fun things to do. It's also part of the South Main Street Historic District, which means it has many old and important buildings.

Exploring South Main's Fun Spots

The South Main Arts District is full of interesting places to visit. You can learn about history, enjoy art, and even see places where famous movies were filmed!

Historical Places to See

Two very important historical spots in Memphis are found right here.

National Civil Rights Museum

One is the National Civil Rights Museum. This museum teaches visitors about the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. It's a powerful place that helps us understand important events that shaped our country.

The Historic Arcade Restaurant

The other spot is the famous Arcade Restaurant. It's on the corner of South Main and G.E. Patterson. The Arcade is the oldest coffee shop in Memphis. It's also one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in the city! Many famous people have visited, including the legendary singer Elvis Presley. Filmmakers love the Arcade too, and many movies have filmed scenes inside this classic diner-style restaurant.

Trolley Night: A Fun Art Event

On the last Friday of every month, something special happens called "Trolley Night." The South Main Association and local businesses put on this event. From 6 PM to 9 PM, you can ride the MATA trolley for free up and down Main Street. Art galleries open their doors for you to explore. Most shops and restaurants in the area also stay open later, making it a lively evening for everyone.

Important Buildings in the District

Besides the museum and restaurant, other notable places are in the South Main district.

• National Civil Rights Museum
• Central Station

South Main on the Big Screen

The South Main district has appeared in many movies! Sometimes it's just a background for scenes set in Memphis. Other times, it pretends to be an older version of Beale Street.

Here are some movies that feature scenes from the South Main district:

• The Firm — You can see Tom Cruise and the FBI meet at The Arcade Restaurant.
• 21 Grams
• Hustle & Flow
• Walk the Line — The scenes that look like "Beale Street" were actually filmed on South Main. They were dressed up a bit and had some computer effects added.
• Black Snake Moan — While much of this movie was shot in the Pyramid, some scenes were also filmed on South Main.
• My Blueberry Nights — Scenes were filmed inside Ernestine and Hazel's and the Arcade Restaurant. There were also shots of the outside along South Main and G.E. Patterson.
• Nothing But the Truth — Scenes were shot at the Arcade Restaurant. Special effects made it look like a restaurant in Washington, D.C.
• Mystery Train — This movie was filmed in Memphis. The front entrance of the Arcade Restaurant is even shown on the movie poster!
• Great Balls of Fire
• Elizabethtown — Scenes were filmed in the National Civil Rights Museum, Ernestine and Hazel's, and the Arcade Restaurant.
• Lovely By Surprise — A scene was filmed in the Arcade Restaurant.
• The Client