Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum Tours

Memphis Rock \'n\' Soul Museum which includes signage
Memphis Rock \'n\' Soul Museum
Memphis Rock \'n\' Soul Museum
Memphis Rock \'n\' Soul Museum featuring interior views
Memphis Rock \'n\' Soul Museum


Pay tribute to the musical innovators of the early 20th century and find out how they took on racial prejudice and economic hardship to reach the top.

The Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum tracks the city’s rich musical history, from the 1930s to present day. Its exhibits have all types of memorabilia, including costumes and instruments that belonged to the artists. Visit the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum to consider the remarkable worldwide influence of musicians from Memphis across the 20th century.

Embark on tour using a digital audio guide for additional context behind the displays. The audio offering also contains more than 100 songs. Delve into the seven galleries and watch various films about Memphis music history. Across the exhibits, you’ll find about 30 instruments and 40 costumes of old performers. Listen to some of your old favorites on classic jukeboxes.

Learn about so-called field holler music, which was historically sung by enslaved African Americans. The sharecroppers, who toiled at the farms of private landowners in the early 1900s, also played a role in the development of porch music and the origins of the blues. Think about the roots of country and gospel music in the region. Urban blues and jazz then started to become part of the iconic Beale Street sound.

Browse the items for sale in the Museum Store, which is packed with T-shirts, cups and bags adorned with the museum’s logo. Attend one of the events organized in this popular establishment.

The Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum opens Wednesdays through Sundays, from morning until evening. There is a fee to enter, with discounts for youths. The complex was created by the Smithsonian Institution in 2000 to commemorate its 150th anniversary.

The museum is located in the FedExForum entertainment complex at the heart of the Downtown Memphis zone. Get to the Memphis Tennessee Central railway station and walk north for about 15 minutes to reach the complex. While you’re here, drop in at the nearby Memphis Music Hall of Fame, the Clayborn Temple and the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art.

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Best Lodging Options Near Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

Hu. Hotel

Hu. Hotel

3.5 out of 5
79 Madison Avenue, Memphis, TN
Hu. Hotel
Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis

Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis

4 out of 5
33 BEALE STREET, Memphis, TN
Hyatt Centric Beale Street Memphis
Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street

Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street

2.5 out of 5
175 Peabody Pl, Memphis, TN
Hampton Inn & Suites Memphis-Beale Street
Big Cypress Lodge

Big Cypress Lodge

5 out of 5
1 Bass Pro Drive, Memphis, TN
Big Cypress Lodge
DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis Downtown

4 out of 5
185 Union Ave, Memphis, TN
DoubleTree by Hilton Memphis Downtown
Hotel Indigo Memphis Downtown by IHG

Hotel Indigo Memphis Downtown by IHG

3.5 out of 5
22 N B.B. King Blvd, Memphis, TN
Hotel Indigo Memphis Downtown by IHG
The Westin Memphis Beale Street

The Westin Memphis Beale Street

4 out of 5
170 Lt Geo W Lee Ave, Memphis, TN
The Westin Memphis Beale Street
Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel

Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel

4 out of 5
250 N Main St, Memphis, TN
Sheraton Memphis Downtown Hotel
Caption BY Hyatt Beale Street Memphis

Caption BY Hyatt Beale Street Memphis

3.5 out of 5
245 S. FRONT STREET, Memphis, TN
Caption BY Hyatt Beale Street Memphis
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

While visiting the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture through live music and theater performances. Explore guided tours that highlight the area's natural beauty and visit nearby attractions. Don't miss the chance to enjoy delicious meals at local restaurants, all while soaking in the rich history of this essential music hub. Experience the lively music venues that make Memphis a true destination for music lovers.

Food and drinks

Indulge in Memphis' vibrant culinary scene at Old Dominick Distillery, just 0.3 miles from the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Enjoy local spirits in a lively atmosphere, perfect for entertainment and romance. Don't miss out on nearby food tours and blues bars for a true taste of Memphis.

Shopping

During your visit to the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, enjoy nearby shopping at unique local stores. If you're up for a drive, visit Wolfchase Galleria, 16 miles away, for a family-friendly experience. Southaven Towne Center and Tanger Outlet Southaven, both within 14 miles, offer great shopping options too.

Recreation

At AutoZone Park, enjoy an energetic atmosphere with live sports events just 0.3 miles from the museum. For outdoor enthusiasts, Galloway Golf Course offers a relaxing golf experience 7 miles away, while Cordova Country Club, 13 miles away, provides a luxurious retreat amidst stunning landscapes.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of speed at Memphis International Raceway, located 12 miles from the museum, where you can watch exciting motor racing events. For added fun, engage in Battlefront Lasertag and Paintball, also 12 miles away, offering adrenaline-pumping competition with friends and family.

Nightlife

Enjoy a captivating evening at the Orpheum Theatre, just 0.2 miles away, where you can catch a live show in a romantic setting. For a thrilling night, head to Southland Casino Racing, located 6 miles away, for gaming and entertainment amidst the vibrant city vibes.

Find the best attractions near Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

In Memphis, a visit to the Rock 'n' Soul Museum opens the door to a variety of attractions, including urban parks and entertainment venues. Families can enjoy the eco-friendly experiences nearby, such as exploring Beale Street and the Stax Museum. The city's rich musical heritage, highlighted by its rock and soul history, offers endless opportunities for memorable activities and adventures.

  • Beale Street: Just a stone's throw from the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, Beale Street is a vibrant hub of live music, delicious barbecue, and nightlife. This historic street pulsates with the sounds of blues and rock, showcasing local talent and inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s rich musical heritage.
  • FedEx Forum: Located nearby, FedEx Forum is a premier venue for family-friendly events, including concerts and sports. Home to the Memphis Grizzlies, this arena offers an electric atmosphere, making it a great spot for entertainment seekers and sports fans alike.
  • Graceland: A short drive away, Graceland is the iconic home of Elvis Presley, offering a deep dive into the life of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. The estate is a cultural landmark filled with memorabilia, providing a nostalgic experience for music lovers.

Best time to go to Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

Visitor numbers around Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June79.2°F (26.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July81.5°F (27.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

To save money on your visit to the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Beale Street, the University of Memphis, and Tom Lee Park. Plan your trip between November and January for lower accommodation rates. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, and consider Eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Booking a package that includes flights and activities can also lead to savings. Don't forget to join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash rewards on future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can sort the results to display hotels from the lowest to the highest price, helping you find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type—if you select the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll discover a selection of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your stay at the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.