By Joyska Nunez-Medina

There are so many cool and exciting places in Tennessee. So many, that you might not know about them all. That’s what Go See Tennessee is all about. We’re here to tell you about places we think are neat and that you might want to visit too. It might be helpful to make a “Go and See” List, and whenever you read about a place that sounds cool, write it down, to help you remember it for the future. Ready for this week’s place? Let’s go!

It’s easy to find some odd things on maps, and the name “Crystal Shrine Grotto” is unique to say the least! In fact, it is a man-made cave! Some say it is the largest man-made crystal cave in the world. This amazing feat of engineering and art was made by the Mexican artist Dionicio Rodriguez, which is why you need to go and check it out!

Entrance to the Crystal Shrine Grotto.  Photo by Joyska Nunez-Medina.

In 1935, the creator of Memphis’ Memorial Park Cemetery, Elliott Clovis Hinds, invited Rodriguez to create several pieces of art based on legends and biblical stories for his new cemetery. Rodriguez was a master of the art style known as trabajo rustico or “rustic work”. He made bridges, benches, and gates from cement that he molded to look like wood. Rodriguez keeps the science behind his process to himself, so his works are unique. He has sculptures in many other states like Texas, Arkansas, Michigan, and Maryland.

Hinds asked Rodriguez to make the Crystal Shrine Grotto to tell the journey of Jesus Christ from birth to resurrection. As you walk into the cave you hear peaceful music and see multi-colored lights shining on the crystals. The crystals were shipped to Memphis from Diamond Cave in Jasper, Arkansas. Throughout the cave are different sculpture scenes from Jesus’ life. The sculpture scenes were made by local Memphis artists Marie Craig, David Day, and Luther Hampton.

Inside the Crystal Shrine Grotto.  Photo by Joyska Nunez-Medina.

Outside the cave is another sculpture by Rodriguez called Abraham’s Oak, based on another biblical story. The sculpture looks like a carved-out tree with benches to sit inside. There is even a bridge that looks wooden but is made of concrete! All his statues are hand-crafted with so much detail it is astounding. So, take your family to see this amazing art in person!

Abraham’s Oak by Dionicio Rodriguez.  Photo by Joyska Nunez-Medina.

Cement bridge with Abraham’s Oak and the Crystal Shrine Grotto in the background.  Photo by Joyska Nunez-Medina.

See the Tennessee Crossroads segment before seeing the Crystal Shrine Grotto yourself! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aak232GwVeg

Joyska Nunez-Medina is an educator at the Tennessee State Museum.

Sources:

“Crystal Shrine Grotto: learn the History.” Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/chicago_manual_17th_edition/cmos_formatting_and_style_guide/web_sources.html

“Dionicio Rodriguez.” The Cultural Landscape Foundation. https://www.tclf.org/pioneer/dionicio-rodriguez.

Julie L. Vosmik, “The Sculptures of Dionicio Rodriguez at Memorial Park Cemetery.” National Register of Historic Places Registration Form, Richmond, VA, 1990. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/d123fe2c-27d0-42f4-a91d-2d0e4a438bd9