Tennessee's Man-Made Cave, Crystal Shrine Grotto Is A Work Of Art
By Chris Dodge|Published August 29, 2022
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
There is a little place in our state hidden away in a cemetery. It has become widely known as a masterpiece of artwork. The Crystal Shrine Grotto in Memphis, Tennessee is a bit strange but also extremely eye-catching. This really is one of those places you have to see to believe.
Crystal Shrine Grotto was the work of one man: Dionicio Rodriguez.
Rodriguez was commissioned by E. Clovis Hinds, the man who founded Memorial Park Cemetery, to build a monument that would help the cemetery become a place of peace and beauty. Rodriguez worked for six long years to create the crystal cave and several other structures on the cemetery grounds.
The prolific Mexican artist was very secretive about his methods, using cement and hand-mixed proprietary tints, the formulas for which he closely guarded. Even his life is something of a mystery; it seems that not much is known of the artist or where he learned his craft.
The cave was carved nearly 60 feet into the side of a hill, and Rodriguez set to work creating a chamber that looks astonishingly natural.
Nearly five tons of natural crystals were brought in from a mine in Arkansas and hand-placed along the walls and on the ceiling. When you step inside, you will be blown away by the array of colors that greets you. This is the only man-made crystal cave in the world, and the display is quite stunning.
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Sunlight makes the crystals near the cave's opening sparkle, but artificial lights deeper in the cave illuminate the rest.
The Crystal Shrine Grotto walks you through ten scenes depicting the life and ministry of Jesus. While Rodriguez created the little niches in the walls, the figures that now occupy them were created by a Memphis artist after Rodriguez's death.
It's hard to believe at times that the cave was made by human hands. The rock formations are so true to life that it's easy to imagine the cave has been there for centuries.
Walking through the cave is surreal. Being surrounded by an art piece of this scope is thrilling, and its natural appearance makes it feel like a magical journey.
Over the decades, the cave has gained a reputation for being a little kitschy. That may be true for some people, but it's easy to see how much work, love, and dedication went into its creation. Many visitors feel a sense of quiet reverence as they take in the sights and colors of this most unusual destination.
The artwork extends outside of the cave as well. The structure pictured below is actually the entrance to the cave, and many other pieces are located in the area known as the Garden of the Gods.
Every piece was masterfully conjured from the artist's mind and hands. Many of them are crafted to look like wood, complete with peeling bark, wormholes, and natural-looking textures. They are so deceptively realistic that you almost have to know they aren't real wood to believe it.
The Crystal Shrine Grotto is a popular spot for photo shoots and even weddings – but you don’t need a special occasion to visit this incredible work of art. It is strange and mysterious, luring thousands of people from all over the world to see it every year. This interesting place is found within Memorial Park. This is a cemetery and funeral home, so make sure to remain respectful when visiting, but visitors are welcome and encouraged.
