Power House Memphis
History
The building now known as Power House Memphis was originally built in 1914 by the Illinois Central railway lines as a steam and electricity provider for Central station. Though it fell into disuse later in the century, the power building had long prompted conversation by passerby as well as hopes that such an important historical structure could be resurrected.
In 2002, Delta Axis leased the 4,700-square-foot brick and glass building and - with the design expertise of architect Coleman Coker and his team from the building studio - redefined it as a contemporary art space. In 2003 the Power House with Coleman Coker's brilliant design won an award for 'Best Historical Building Conversion in Memphis'. The architects can be contacted at www.buildingstudio.net
Peter Fleissig has agreed to serve as a curator with a plan to invite important working artists to take on solo exhibitions in the space, one for each season.
"What we're trying to do is to take a neglected building in downtown Memphis and use it as a laboratory, as a raw space, to invite artists from across the world to make what could be on of their most important pieces, or art works. We're hoping artists will try out something new in our three unique spaces, on the lines of DIA:Chelsea which is something they might not attempt if they were under pressure to make an impact on the spaces at the Guggenheim Museum or at PS1/MoMA."
Power House Memphis will leverage the folklore of Elvis and Memphis to attract internationally recognized artists who would not normally come here. We suggest that you start your visit Elvis in Memphis with the 3-hour tour of Graceland and then take the shuttle bus to Sun Studios next to Marshall Arts.
Other attractions include the Pyramid and new Opera House on N. Main Street from where you can take the tram down to Power House Memphis on S. Main Street next to the National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis.
Power House Memphis offers four seasonal solo exhibitions including regional artists, performance art and film as well as music and is becoming a destination for people from around the world when they visit Memphis.
- photos courtesy of Illinois Central Railroad
