Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum’s exhibition about the birth of rock and soul music, created by the Smithsonian Institution, tells the story of musical pioneers who, for the love of music, overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create the music that shook the entire world.

EXPERIENCE: Even its location on the legendary Highway 61 and Beale sets this museum apart. The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum offers a comprehensive Memphis music experience from the rural field hollers and sharecroppers of the 1930s, through the explosion of Sun Studio, Stax and Hi Records and Memphis’ musical heyday in the 70s, to its global musical influence. Stroll at your own pace through the seven galleries featuring 3 audio visual programs, more than 30 instruments, 40 costumes and other musical treasures. The audio tour provides over 300 minutes of information, including over 100 songs.

HISTORY: In 1990, the National Museum of American History (NMAH) set out to develop a traveling exhibition about “American Music” and continually returned to the Delta and Memphis, Tennessee for what is finally declared as the ‘roots of America’s music” – the sounds of field hollers, work songs, blues, country and gospel of the sharecroppers in the 1930-40s that eventually collided and fused with the urban sounds of Beale Street, Sun Studio, Stax Recording and Hi Records. For the first time in its history, the Smithsonian Institution worked with another museum (NMAH) to develop the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.

INSIDERS TIP: Group rates are available. The museum is available for private parties, receptions, and seated dinners all hosted amidst the guitars and galleries. The gift shop is open daily offering posters, t-shirts, hoodies and more.