Arts Leadership Recipient 2017 Governors Arts Awards
The Memphis Rock n Soul Museum opened in 2000 and has since been dedicated to telling the story of music in Memphis. Located on the corner of legendary Highway 61 at the FedExForum, the Museum offers a comprehensive Memphis music experience from the music of the farm and field workers of the 1930s, through Memphis musical heyday and the explosion of Sun, Stax and Hi Records in the 1970s, to its global musical influence.
The product of a unique collaboration between the world-renowned Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of American History, the Memphis Rock n Soul Museum is now acquired, housed and maintained locally by Memphians committed to preserving the citys rich musical heritage.
In 1990 the National Museum of American History set out to develop a traveling exhibition about American music and continually returned to the roots of Americas music in the Delta and Memphis, Tennessee. Found there were the sounds of the sharecroppers in the 1930s and 40sfield hollers, work songs, blues, country and gospelthat eventually collided and fused with the urban blues and jazz Beale Street, rock n roll and rockabilly of SUN Studio, and rhythm and blues soul music of STAX Recording and HI Records.
Videography by Dr. Bradley Hanson Editing by M.C. Seals Voice-over by Sandra Harris Directed by Suzanne Lynch
Address: 401 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Nashville, TN 37243Phone: 615-741-1701
Memphis Rock N’ Soul Museum
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| various MATA bus routes, Main Street Trolley | |
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The Memphis Rock n Soul Museum is a music museum located at 191 Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. The museum tells the critical story of the musical pioneers who overcame racial and socio-economic obstacles to create the music that changed the cultural complexion of the world.
What To Do Nearby
The museum is situated in the heart of downtown Memphis. It’s located at the corner of Beale Street, a pedestrian-only street where many music legends including B.B. King made their name. You can still pop into the dozens of bars and clubs and hear live music. On beautiful days, you’ll also find street performers. There is street food, and many bars and restaurants serve Memphis comfort food.
Music lovers shouldn’t miss the nearby Music Hall of Fame where you will learn more about music legends from Memphis.
The museum is located in the plaza of the FedEx Forum, a gigantic entertainment complex. During basketball season make sure to buy a ticket to see the NBA Grizzlies play. It’s a festive affair with the entire city rooting for their team.
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Memphis Discovery Tour Provided By Backbeat Tours
- Learn more
- Instant confirmation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- Tuck into delicious snacks at a Memphis BBQ joint
- Self-guided visit to Smithsonians Rock n Soul Museum
- Comprehensive tour for first-time visitors to Memphis
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- Tuck into delicious snacks at a Memphis BBQ joint
- Self-guided visit to Smithsonians Rock n Soul Museum
- Comprehensive tour for first-time visitors to Memphis
- Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum admission
- Edge Motor Museum admission
- Entry/Admission – Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
- Entry/Admission – Edge Motor Museum
- Entry/Admission – National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel
- Alfred’s On Beale, 197 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum admission
- Edge Motor Museum admission
- Entry/Admission – Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
- Entry/Admission – Edge Motor Museum
- Entry/Admission – National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel
- Alfred’s On Beale, 197 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
- Returns to original departure point
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
Memphis’ Rock ‘N’ Soul Museum is one of the only institutions in the country that tells the complete story of rock and soul music. It takes you to the fields where sharecroppers sang as they worked to the studios where Elvis Presley recorded the greatest hits of all time. The museum is even located on a historical spotthe corner of Beale Street and B.B. King Avenue, nicknamed the Blues Highway. The museum is interactive, and you’ll be dancing and singing the whole time you’re there. Here’s everything you need to know for a visit.
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How To Visit
The museum is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Final museum admission is at 6:15 p.m. Note: the museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. If you also want to visit the Memphis Music Hall of Fame at Beale Street that gives more music about Memphis music icons be sure to buy the combo ticket.
Discounts are available for members of AARP, AAA, members of the military, and Smithsonian. There is free admission for Shelby County, TN residents on Tuesday. Make sure to bring your proof of residency!
The museum is located in downtown Memphis at the corner of Beale Street and B.B. King Avenue. It’s located on the plaza of FedExForum, home of Memphis’ NBA team Memphis Grizzlies.
