Best Memphis Museums to Visit (Hidden Gems)

Whether it’s the museums of New York or the museums in Leavenworth, we have seen it all during our trips through these fascinating regions of America.

One of the hidden gems in this part of the world has to be Memphis.

This is a beautiful region that is full of welcoming people and historic artifacts that are going to bring a smile to your face as soon as you see them. There is ample value associated with these artifacts and you are going to know they are the real deal once you are here.

For those who don’t know where to begin or are on limited time, you are going to want to know about the best museums in Memphis to visit and that’s where we come in.

Here are the top museums in Memphis and what makes them special.

Top Museums of Memphis

National Civil Rights Museum

Address – 450 Mulberry St

In our eyes, there is nothing more special than the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis.

This is a beautiful location that offers an intricate look into the depths of history when it comes to the civil rights movements in Memphis and various other parts of the nation. Just being able to go through what these individuals had to deal with is going to let you understand American history a lot better.

This is a museum that was set up where Martin Luther King Jr. was shot.

You can take a look at a variety of exhibits that have been set up to teach you about the history of the region.

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Address – 926 E. McLemore Ave

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a fascinating place because it illustrates the vast and important musical history surrounding this part of America.

You are going to be mesmerized by the historical elements found here.

For music nerds, you are going to know this is the place to be as you learn more about soul music and its role here in Memphis.

What makes this museum special?

This used to be a studio where artists would come to perform. It had many ups and downs during its time until it was later turned into a museum.

We highly recommend touring the museum and learning more about the world of music here. You are going to fall in love with everything it has to offer and you are going to know this is the type of soul music that’s going to win you over.

Graceland

Address – Elvis Presley Blvd

Graceland is all about Elvis Presley.

When you look at the history of Memphis, you are going to often hear about Elvis Presley, and rightly so. He is heralded in the area as one of the greatest musical legends to ever step foot in Memphis and that’s what makes Graceland special to locals.

People from around the world come to Graceland to cherish this beautiful place.

The mansion was important to Elvis Presley and you can take a tour of everything around the mansion from one room to the next.

Sun Studio

Address – 706 Union Avenue

Sun Studio is a riveting museum in the heart of Memphis and exudes all of the hidden qualities you are going to want from a historic location such as this one.

Sun Studio has been around for a long time.

It is heralded for how much history is dripping off of every inch of the premises. It was during the 1950s when it all started as various artists would stop by and have a great time when they were performing.

Of course, there was one name that has long been associated with this studio and that is none other than Elvis Presley.

Elvis Presley went on to become one of the greatest stars in American history during his peak. When he was performing at this studio, he was just getting started. Of course, over time many others also showed up here including the likes of Johnny Cash and Ike Turner.

Being able to walk around Sun Museum and just soak it all in is a great experience and we highly recommend it whether you are a fan of music or not.

Slave Haven Underground Museum

Address – 826 North Second S

The Slave Haven Underground Museum is wonderful and it offers a breathtaking look into the world of slavery in America.

You are going to begin to understand how slavery started, the role it played in Memphis, and everything else associated with this element of American history. Just being able to dive into this is something you are going to want to explore.

It will let you appreciate the modern world in greater depth and it’s going to uncover facts that you might have been unaware of.

Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum

Address – 191 Beale St

This is a museum that offers the ins and outs of soul music.

You are going to adore every minute of it when you are here because of the level of depth that is noticeable throughout the location.

You are going to learn about a variety of musicians from the region and it is also going to let you enjoy the perks of soul music in Memphis.

Blues Hall of Fame Museum

Address – 421 S. Main Street

The Blues Hall of Fame Museum is fascinating because it has lots of artifacts that you might not have known existed.

This has all to do with the history of blues music.

This is a type of music that has thrived throughout Memphis and become a big part of its illustrious musical history. Just being able to soak it all in and take a look at the artifacts associated with some of the biggest blues legends is a joy.

Anyone who loves this type of music is going to want to put this museum on their list right away. It’s a must.

Final Thoughts

These are the best museums in Memphis to go to.

Whether you are someone who is looking for musical museums in Memphis or you want to find slavery museums in Memphis, there is so much on offer here for you to learn.

Take the time to visit all of them and you will learn a lot about yourself and American history along the way.