The Stax Museum of American Soul Music
The museum takes visitors on almost 1,600 square meters into the fascinating musical world of Memphis Soul. Here you will find more than 3,000 partly interactive exhibits – from the origins of soul to today. Among them are videos and original instruments that produced the typical Stax sound. The museum also has old stage costumes, records and many other mementos: from the award-winning introductory film to the 100-year-old church from the Mississippi Delta, which refers to the origin of soul in gospel. 926 E. McLemore Ave., Memphis, TN 38106
Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
According to a2zdirectory, the only Smithsonian Institution outside of Washington, the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum sheds light on the birth of rock and soul music in and around Memphis. The museum tells the story of musical pioneers who, through their love of music, transcended the barriers of race and class to create a sound that shook the world. Rock ‘n’ Soul is the only museum that tells the whole story of this music. This makes the museum the ideal starting point for a musical pilgrimage through Memphis. The museum is located in the heart of downtown at 191 Beale Street, on the corner of the legendary Highway 61, in an annex to the FedEx Forum sports and entertainment complex.
191 Beale Street, Memphis, TN 38103
The National Civil Rights Museum is in an impoverished neighborhood just a few blocks away south of downtown. The old Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated has been restored and is now a memorial to the civil rights movement.
450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Graceland
The famous home of the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” is located south of the city and can be reached via I-55. The complex spreads out on both sides of Elvis Presley Boulevard with the Graceland Mansion and the expansive grounds on one side and museums, shops, restaurants, snack shops and the airline fleet on the other side. During a guided tour you can visit parts of the house such as the Jungle Room, the individual living areas and the kitchen. The office is shown in the adjoining building. The former racquetball facility and the Trophy Building display the gold records, costumes and unique collectibles. The tour ends at the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and some family members were laid to rest.
The Airplanes Tour begins in a simulated 1970’s airport terminal. Afterward, visitors can peek inside the star’s two private planes: “Hound Dog II,” a Lockheed Jet Star with yellow and green interiors, and “Lisa Marie,” named after his daughter, a custom-built plane with luxurious gold sinks. The Elvis Presley Automobile Museum features Elvis’ famous car collection. Among other things, his pink Cadillac from 1955 can be admired, as well as two Stutz Blackhawks and a 1975 Dino Ferrari. His Harley Davidson motorcycles are not missing either. A NASCAR race car named after Elvis will be on display. A small exhibition at the Sincerely Elvis Museum shows the King’s private life through photographs, clothing and film material.
3717 Elvis Presley Blvd
Blues Hall of Fame
In 2015, the American Blues Hall of Fame opened in Memphis. She has included almost 150 musicians in the circle of the greatest, including Robert Johnson, BB King and also Eric Clapton and Little Richard – from the beginning with the aim of creating a permanent home for the blues. This was created in a centrally located brick building. On display are guitars, stage costumes, vinyl records, documents and many other artifacts. With more than 1,100 square meters of exhibition space, an important expansion of the range of unique music attractions in the city on the Mississippi River was created.
Memphis Pyramid
The Pyramid of Memphis shines in new splendor after a complete renovation. The former sports and concert arena that opened in 1991 has now become a gigantic adventure retail store, primarily for hunters and anglers, with a themed hotel. A glass observation deck promises magnificent views of the Mississippi River and the city. Retailer Bass Pro turned the inside of the pyramid upside down, redesigning the outdoor enthusiast’s store as a southern swamp landscape complete with ponds, alligators and a faux duck habitat. A hotel with 103 rooms, The Big Cypress Lounge, was also built. At the top of the pyramid, The Lookout At The Pyramid restaurant and bar offer 360-degree views of the Mississippi River.
