Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Crystal Shrine Grotto

    4.7 (62 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Crystal Shrine Grotto Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Crystal Shrine Grotto

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    The most stunning place I have ever seen. It is well worth a visit from the peaceful sounds of the water to the inside of the shrine absolutely stunning.

    Tank G.

    You will find this place tucked away in Memorial Park Cemetery. It was a bit difficult for me to find at first, because the directions on Yelp took me to a different part of the cemetery. I pulled it up on Google maps and it took me right there. If you are by a big hallowed out tree that you can walk through then you are in the right place. It is also located across from Issac Hayes's grave site. It was the brain child of Elliot Clovis Hinds, who sold his life insurance company to build the cemetery the grotto is located. He built the spot with the goal of making visitors to his cemetery feel better about death. This is a unique spot that is meant to elevate your spiritual thoughts. It dates back to the 1930s and consists of a man-made cave with crystal formations and biblical scenes reenacted with ceramic figures. Some of the images from the life of Christ, which have been added on through the years, include the Last Supper, the Nativity, the Resurrection and the Transfiguration. I got a kick out of the baby Jesus in the nativity scene. I was just an old doll baby that you could get from Big Lots. There was a rumor that people kept stealing the original Baby Jesus statues, so that is what they went with. However, I could not verify that. It is an eclectic set-up and is commonly referred to as trippy. The cave is relatively dim, but has some colored lighting to add to the affect. It is traditional for visitors to leave a personal item there as an offering to receive favor and blessing. I did not have any thing with me that I could leave so, I guess I did not get my blessing. This grotto is a testament to persistance. It took about 45 years to be completed and is probably still been modified and added to. This oddity is a very nice place to visit while in Memphis. I spent about 20 minutes here. Parking here was very easy. I just parked right across the road from it. I recommend checking it out, if you are in the area.

    From inside looking at the door

    Atlas Obscura sent us here. I was shocked at what an incredible experience. Ok, the cemetery was just pretty awesome in its own right, but this grotto inside was on a whole other level of awesome. Inside is man made crystal cave with statues depicting the life of Christ. Check out the year each of the sections was created. This took years. On our way to the grotto we stopped at a beautiful mausoleum. Directly across was the grave of Issac Hayes, music artist and actor. Other graves were so interesting that we just kept searching for more. So much to appreciate.

    Tree of Life

    Free and eye catching! This was an absolute hidden gem and would go back again in a heart beat. Since it is underground the temperature is perfect year round. Perfect for anyone that enjoys artwork especially Christian based faith.

    Holly W.

    Atlas Obscura has the Crystal Shrine Grotto written on their Memphis list so it hit my list! Crystal Shrine is in the upscale Memorial cemetery. I plugged it into the GPS but there are signs in the cemetery as well. Park the car. Walk along the little wooden bridge. Walk through the tree carving (just walk through- how many times are you hanging in the cemetery?) You will see the opening to the grotto. Step in, sign the guestbook and take in the little obscure religious shrine nestled away here. The lights enhance the experience, the crystals are big and small along with religious depictions of Jesus's life. Whether you are religious or not it is a sight to see. There is the natural art, carved wooden art and sand art. On the walk out, feel free to leave a penny as many observers do on a little shelf. Upon leaving, cross the street and a few steps down to your left will be Isaac Hayes gravesite. His tombstone is beautifully etched with beautiful moments of his life. Please bring a flower or something for good ol' Isaac. When I went he was the only grave site without flowers and I am sure a lot of people stop here to pay homage. Shaft deserves it.

    Crystal Shrine Grotto
    L L.

    This was surprisingly more of a highlight to my Memphis trip than I'd thought it would be. For me, Crystal Shrine Grotto was more exciting than Beale Street, more viscerally touching than Graceland, more interesting than the Pyramid, and more peaceful than the Memphis Botanic Gardens. I am not very religious, and having grown up Quaker, the Jesus story was really not emphasized as it is for most other Christian religions. So while I'm familiar with the stories behind the religious imagery inside the cave, I found it more aesthetically pleasing and intellectually interesting than spiritual. For me, the crystals, the lights, the calm music playing outside, and the sense of peace there, was the metaphysical crux of my experience. This cave made me want to linger in the good vibes, relax, and absorb some positivity for my flight home. I definitely was so much more relaxed the rest of the day. My whole family felt the good vibrations here. Touch a few crystals if you can, use hand sanitizer after, but they're worth a touch!

    Jackie P.

    What a thoughtfully and beautifully designed area. The crystal cave is beautiful the biblical scenes crafted inside stunning. Words can not express how much went into creating such a beautiful place. The bridges the unique seating areas the beautiful flowers growing around and within the cross display.... The fountain all just stunning.

    Anton E.

    The most interesting and decorative thing I have ever seen at a graveyard. Granted, I have not gone through many graveyards, but this is a must.

    Rebecca H.

    This a nest place to visit. Quite unique and nice way to kick off the holiday season. The nearly 100 year old man-made cave is itself a work of art and is filled with sculptures from the 70s and 80s. It's also right across from Isaac Hayes' grave. The whole area surrounding it is quite cute with a fish pond, tree bridges, and other interesting details.

    Dani C.

    Crystal Shrine Grotto (began in 1930s): The idea of Elliot Clovis Hinds, who sold his life insurance company to build Memorial Park Cemetery. He believed the graveyard should be filled with inspiring art, not tombstones to make visitors feel more at ease about death. The cave creator, Dionicio Rodriguez, was a self-taught Mexican sculptor who spoke no English. He specialized in creating cement sculptures simulating natural wood and stone. He spent 6 yrs digging a 60ft deep cavern, lining it with sculpted cement and 5 tons of quartz crystal. David Day added the final artwork in 1981, completing the project 46 yrs after Rodriguez began it. The shrine illustrates Christ's Journey from Birth to Resurrection.

    The Crystal Shrine Grotto entrance

    Beautiful place inside a very lovely cemetery. It was a little difficult to find, but it was worth the search! Free to get in. Please respect the area, the people resting here, and their families.

    Kelly G.

    The Crystal Shrine Grotto is located in the center of Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis. It is free to visit and you can easily drive in to the cemetery and follow the signs to the grotto. The cave is filled with natural crystals hand placed onto the cave walls and ceiling and depicts portions of Christ's life from birth to ascension through handmade artwork. Those who enter the man made cave don't just see the dark beauty of the cave and its eclectic artwork they can feel its magical presence all around them. It is an extremely peaceful and reflective place on both the interior and exterior of the cave . On the outside you can sit in a man made hollowed out tree and enjoy the koi pond. All the features around and in the grotto depict events and places out of the Old and New Testaments. The Cave of Machpelah to the left of the Grotto is a depiction of the 1st tomb mentioned in The Bible, Genesis 23, as Abraham and Sarah's resting place. The Pool of Hebron( koi pond )and Abrahams Oak (man made hollowed out tree seat) invite visitors to explore the area and find the hidden faces, figures, and resting places the artist included in the naturalistic concrete to entertain visitors. The Crystal shrine grotto and surrounding area is a reminder that death is not the end an must be seen in person to fully appreciate and understand.

    Grotto
    Pam M.

    Located inside the Memorial Park Cemetery, this made-made crystal cave (don't worry- it's above ground) includes art depicting the life of Christ. Allegorical in its placement amidst serene burial sites, the Gotto leaves visitors in awe of its creator's purpose. It's free to enter. Located inside the cemetery, amidst lovely landscaping, this one of a kind artwork is both historic and modern. Visit the grotto during daytime hours when weather is good. It does involve a very short walk up a stone path.

    Outside seating area carved from a tree

    See all

    17 days ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Valerie K.
    13
    56
    116

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L L.
    99
    1323
    38727

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jackie P.
    38
    168
    273

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anton E.
    16
    637
    2133

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Daniel B.
    138
    13
    0

    3 years ago

    Awesome place to visit. Very detailed art. I found this place relaxing. Easy to find in the cemetery.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Donna M.
    498
    899
    10771

    9 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Cam K.

    Cam K.

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jpb T.
    0
    495
    2559

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mikee B.
    26
    66
    184

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Amazing cool place to see. Weird location in a cemetery. I definitely highly recommend seeing it!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alex W.
    19
    38
    15

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Megan E.
    114
    30
    52

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    So amazing!! Took me forever to find inside the cemetery but i was in awe of the inside.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Crystal Shrine Grotto

    Is there an admission fee?

    No it was free when I went in March!

    View All 2 Questions

    Review Highlights - Crystal Shrine Grotto

    Located inside the cemetery, amidst lovely landscaping, this one of a kind artwork is both historic and modern.

    Mentioned in 25 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Whiskey + Doughnuts

    Whiskey + Doughnuts

    5.0(3 reviews)
    5.6 miHighland Heights

    Second Yelp night out! Thanks so much for the tickets! I…read morelearned alot about whiskey that night but...I forgot it all...darn that whiskey!!! I tasted the Piehole first and I know I said the Larceny 92 proof would be my last. Then I saw the second table of whiskey and gave in to the strawberry one since my soul was on fire from the Larceny still. What two whiskeys I had inbetween I can't remember. That Piehole was to die for though! Pecan Pie Whiskey?!?! I usually gag at the thought flavored whiskey but man that stuff was good. If you want to get a party started the quickest way would be the Larceny though haha. DONUTS. I came in knowing my favorite: Howard's all the way!!! But I found a new favorite: Jody's Donuts. The ladies from Jody's were so awesome (the only people I saw from the respective donut places) and I knew immediately that I had to ask about the one with bananas on it. They sold me on it and just when I regretted taking it, I took a bite and went into Elvis/doughnut/childhood memory nirvana. Gotta go by their shop now! Gibson's were actually on point that night even though I am usually the hated one in Gibson's debates.

    I was here, and I wasn't really here... So much donuts and whiskey…read more.. Okay, settling down. I had to shoot some hoops to see if I was able to drive home. And since I missed majority of those shots, I suppose I am! Did you guys noticed that the Yelp panties are perfect for spider man cosplay? Who's going to be my Peter while I be your Mary Jane? Did Deanna just pack a whole box of donuts home? Above statements were part of the saved draft... So, I guess I had fun last night! Those pecan pie tasting whiskeys are killer. I'm also very happy that I tried donuts from 3 different vendors and donut holes from 2. Unfortunately, Gibson's took the crown and run away with it. Gibson's donuts are the best. Rec Room is awesome. I can't think of a better location for an event like this. Whiskey, donuts, and video games! Generation Y, represent!

    Photos
    Whiskey + Doughnuts - Whiskey!!!

    Whiskey!!!

    Whiskey + Doughnuts
    Whiskey + Doughnuts - More whiskey!!!

    See all

    More whiskey!!!

    Hog & Hominy - Sweetbread with chili aioli sauce! Delicious starter!!

    Hog & Hominy

    4.1(765 reviews)
    1.0 miBrennan
    $$

    Great service, food and drinks perfect. Mimosa was very good…read more Will definitely be back.

    If you like fancy pizza, this place is for you. Walking in,…read moreit looks very modern. You know, the plain type. The type that does look good, but barely has decor. We came at lunch right when they opened with no reservation, which was fine. There was plenty of seating but it did get a little busier by the time we left. The hostess and our waitress were very nice and attentive. This place is NOT kid friendly. Which is fine... not everyplace has to be kid friendly. I just want parents to know up front that they do not have a kids menu. I asked what kid friendly options there were and our waitress suggested a few, but we decided on just a cheese pizza. This was for my 3 year old and he did not eat it, but neither did my other 2 kids (ages 7 and 11) when we brought it home. It had no seasoning and a very tomato taste. We got the poutine as an appetizer. I forgot a picture of it. My husband has had this before in Canada and he loved it. However, this one wasn't up to par. He enjoyed it, but said an authentic one is much better. I personally couldn't eat it. The gravy was just too weird. As a main course, I had the "Mikey Likes It" pizza. It was good if you like basil. It was very heavy on the basil. It was a bit burnt though. My husband had the special which was a chopped cheese. He said it was good, but nothing to brag about. I'm not a sauerkraut fan, the bite I had was good, but I wouldn't have been able to eat all of it. The fries as a side were good and crunchy. Overall, we probably won't be back. It's just not our style. Not our type of "fancy" food. This is one of those "mark of I've been there" things. Give it a try for yourself because it's not terrible.

    Photos
    Hog & Hominy - Inside the restaurant

    Inside the restaurant

    Hog & Hominy - John T. Edge Burger with fries

    John T. Edge Burger with fries

    Hog & Hominy - Dining area

    See all

    Dining area

    CMYE: February Movie Monday

    CMYE: February Movie Monday

    5.0(4 reviews)
    0.5 miRiver Oaks

    Another event without Jason W! Easily 5-stars! Just kidding!…read more If you want events with Jason W aka Mr. I-rate-3-stars-for-an-event-with-free-entertainment/food/booze... okay, okay, I kid, I kid! Seriously, Jason W, I'm kidding! You're just so easy to pick on! And I'm sorry for suggesting such a snore-fest... Well, I love it. I even shed a few tears after I got in my car, holding it in front of people. So you guys are terrible people! Kidding (about the tear shedding part)! Next time, let's pick action comedies or something less artsy, which means no more Ridgeway! Doing homework early, for March's event, I got Jupiter Ascending (Feb 6) and Kingsman (Feb 13). April and May are easy though. April is gonna be Fast 7 (Apr 3). And May will be Avengers (May 1)! I know Joelle said Jurassic World (June 12) for June, but I think that'll have to wait for July's event if we're keeping the first Monday of the month schedule. So the most anticipated movie for June event is probably Mad Max (May 15th). Oh, last thing, you know, that annoying thing that people do in the middle of a movie, turning on the phone and reading/responding to messages with the backlight blindingly bright to the people behind you... Oh, hi, Joelle! That is all! =p

    The second installment of Yelp Community Movie Monday was great. First off, this event finally got…read moreme through the doors of Malco's renovated Ridgeway Cinema Grill. I've been meaning to catch a film here since they reopened and they theater did not disappoint. Big comfy seats; adult beverages; and food options like fish and chip, hamburgers or pizza make this the perfect date night theater. Now on to the event. Joelle was kind enough to buy tickets for the first five Yelppers to RSVP on the event page; she really takes care our her community. I love any opportunity to get together with my fellow Yelppers, most of whom I only see at these events. Most of us arrived early and had a chance to catch up and talk about some of the new places we have visited or plan to visit in Memphis. Once the movie started, everyone minded their Ps and Qs, so there wasn't much talking other than the sporadic laughter caused by the movie. All in all The Imitation Man was a great choice for this month's event and I think everyone enjoyed the film. Thanks again to Joelle for continuing to come up with great community events for the Memphis Yelp crew.

    Elite Event: A Summer Cocktail STEAKcation at Ruth's Chris - For the vegetarians and veggie lovers... The roasted veggies were worth ordering. Plus... Look at the spread. @notbadforalady

    Elite Event: A Summer Cocktail STEAKcation at Ruth's Chris

    4.9(16 reviews)
    1.0 miRiver Oaks

    Five Stars! All the way!!…read more What a wonderful event! I'm not going to be able to add any more detail than my fellow Elites have shared about the food, drinks, or service. So, here is the best I have. I'll try and stay focused for time's sake. The food was fabulous, like, not even on the same level as well, anything you pay for. The atmosphere was fantastic! What a good chill vibe. I was able to meet some really cool people and see some familiar faces. I enjoyed seeing Whitney H again... She is so cool. Denise looked like a Greek Goddess! I hope that's not offensive to her! But for real! You are a wonderful hostess. Of course, all the regulars, I love you all. You know who you are but here's some shouts. I enjoyed talking to Samantha and Joel. They are hilarious! Robin B may be my favorite Yelper friend now... Shane S is always interesting and a joy to have a conversation with. Daniel, Lauren, and the B's were also a pleasure. Steven L hates me... It's cool bro. Anthony C is a bad ass. Camille and Romona were also a blessing to see. Love you guys! I met David E., Laura W., Emily H. and her brother, and Regina C. What a pleasure. I also got to meet the infamous Joi. What? NOLA Joi? Yep. I'm cooler than like, at least, some of you. Nice to meet you Joi. I hope to be able to spend some time in your city! Sadly, I've never been to New Orleans. That is BS and must change! The restaurant put on a show for us! The staff was fantastic! Bravo! I scored like 53 $25 off meals. You'll just find me at the bar now, daily, for about a month and a half. Of course, I'm kidding... Maybe Great Job Denise!

    First Elite Event in a while, and it definitely does not disappoint! I walked into the restaurant,…read moreand the ultra friendly hostess took me to the back in the party room. And then I see them. Food and beverages galore! I didn't even notice other Yelpers there for while and the room was filled with them! Sorry folks! My attention were on the filet mignon and the cocktails! Then I find myself not being able to stop looking at the trays of hor dourves such as the tuna on top of wonton nachos and the beef empanadas! And then did somebody say pie??? It's a wonderful day for pie. You can ask all the birds in the sky. And they'll tell you real sweet, with a musical tweet. It's a wonderful day for pie!!! (from Family Guy 8-1 "Road to the Multiverse") The song and dance routine is a requirement! The staff is friendly. The service is excellent. Pretty much everything is wonderful.

    Photos
    Elite Event: A Summer Cocktail STEAKcation at Ruth's Chris
    Elite Event: A Summer Cocktail STEAKcation at Ruth's Chris
    Elite Event: A Summer Cocktail STEAKcation at Ruth's Chris - Super candid shot of some happy diners

    See all

    Super candid shot of some happy diners

    Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen - Rigatoni & strip steak

    Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen

    4.2(246 reviews)
    1.0 miBrennan
    $$$

    I saw Andrew Michaels it was recommended by the Michelin guide so we had to come try it! The food…read morewas pretty great. It's a family style Italian-mix dishes. My favorites were the Foccia bread (very buttery), the lemon chicken and the gnocchi. The ambience is a nice candlelight dinner for a cute date night or special event. We made a reservation in advanced and they had a complementary valet outfront, which made for a no stress experience. Our waitress was kind, attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. The menu is rotating with the seasons, a bit on the pricier end, which is expected, but really wasn't too bad for such high quality.

    Went to Andrew Michael this past Wednesday and did their WTF Wednesday. The inside was intimate and…read morewe sat at a table by the bar. The waitress was attentive. Overall there are 5 courses and took about 2 hours. Overall the food was very good except the entree. The spinach was extremely salty and unfortunately every time i or my group took a bite of spinach it was off putting. I was able to eat the portions not touch by the spinach but it was so salty spinach was inedible. The best thing of the night was this spinach pasta dish with pumpkin. I would just go back for that. Again, overall it was a fun experience but unfortunately would not do it again. I would probably go back just for their pasta.

    Photos
    Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen - Funnel cake with sweet cream gelato and peach puree

    Funnel cake with sweet cream gelato and peach puree

    Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen - Maw Maw 's Ravioli

    Maw Maw 's Ravioli

    Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen - Gelato

    See all

    Gelato

    Crystal Shrine Grotto - localflavor - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...