W C Handy Museum & Gallery

What a cute little place! Especially if you’re a fan of the man.
Things to know:
— Cash only
— In the police parking lot
— 2 rooms
— Super awesome tour guide

WC Handy resonates on Beale street. The music he wrote here has impacted an entire genre across generations. And, who knew, that the little blue shotgun house at the end of Beale is the house he lived in while in Memphis?
I could barely find it, but it was very neat to see how he lived with his wife and five kids when he was in Memphis. Of course, the home has been relocated to Beale from its original location; but I agree that its right where it belongs. where he belonged during his time here.
I was, however, disappointed that the items in the house weren’t kept up well (I felt like taking a laminator to everything, there were so many loose papers around).
The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and a wealth of information, though,; so if you’re touring Beale, do stop here to at least see a piece of Memphis Blues history!

We really wanted to tour this museum, and waited ten minutes past the posted opening time, but nobody showed to open it up. We were flying out that morning and just couldn’t stay any longer. The home is small, and reasonably well kept, but could use a bit of TLC. W.C. is the man, and all of Beale Street should make sure this place thrives, as they owe a great debt of gratitude to him!