CLAYBORN TEMPLE IS rising from the ashes.

reimagining memphis & clayborn temple

In the early morning hours of April 28, 2025, an act of arson ignited a fire that tore through Historic Clayborn Temple’s sanctuary, devastating one of America’s most sacred cultural landmarks. While the intent behind the fire remains unknown, its impact reverberates deeply through our community. Through this moment of heartbreak, something unshakable endured: the spirit of Clayborn, the strength of community, and the clarity of purpose.

Today, we are reimagining and rebuilding Historic Clayborn Temple as a cultural engine driving community building, creativity, and opportunity in the city of Memphis.

our reimagining campaign

  • Step inside history and experience Memphis like never before. The new immersive exhibit at Historic Clayborn Temple will transport visitors back to 1968, recreating the sights, sounds, and spirit of the Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike through cutting-edge storytelling, interactive technology, and powerful design. This one-of-a-kind experience will serve as both a world-class attraction and a living classroom, engaging students, families, and visitors from around the world in the story of Memphis’ cultural legacy.

    Your investment helps bring this groundbreaking experience to life, turning Clayborn Temple into a destination that honors our past while inspiring Memphis’ future.

  • Historic Clayborn Temple will soon be home to a world-class performance and gathering space in the heart of Downtown Memphis. The restored sanctuary will feature flexible seating for up to 500 guests, blending breathtaking architecture with modern technology to host concerts, theater, community events, and celebrations. Designed to amplify Memphis’ creative voice, the venue will provide a permanent home for local artists and organizations while attracting visitors from around the world.

    Your support helps transform this historic sanctuary into a vibrant stage where Memphis’ culture, talent, and imagination take center stage.

  • The Innovation Center for Culture & Economy — known as The Church House — will be a first-of-its-kind hub for creativity, entrepreneurship, and community growth. Named in honor of Robert R. Church, one of Memphis’ most visionary business leaders, the center will bring together artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators to build new pathways for cultural and economic success. Through programs in creative leadership, cultural business development, and storytelling, The Church House will help turn Memphis’ deep well of culture into lasting opportunity.

    Your investment fuels the future of Memphis’ creative economy by empowering people to transform ideas into impact and vision into value.

In response to Clayborn’s April 2025 arson, The Big We has launched Memphis Reimagined- a $75 million campaign to rebuild what was lost, reimagine what’s possible, and rise in pursuit of a stronger cultural community. Take a look at how we are reimagining Clayborn as a cultural arts and community-building hub for the wonderful people of Memphis.

Now is the moment to help shape memphis’ future!

Together, we can restore and reimagine one of our nation’s most iconic cultural landmarks, turning loss into legacy and vision into reality. Your gift helps rebuild Historic Clayborn Temple as a world-class destination for art, culture, and community connection, fueling Memphis’ creative and economic renaissance. Join us in ensuring Clayborn Temple rises again — stronger, brighter, and ready to inspire generations to come.

Download our full campaign document here.

Donate Today!