MEMPHIS ROCK AND SOUL MUSEUM

The Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum was created by the Smithsonian Institution and opened on April 29, 2000.  It tells the story of the musical pioneers who overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create music that shook the world.

Entrance to Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

Located inside the FedExForum sports and entertainment complex at 191 Beale, the museum offers a comprehensive Memphis music experience. 

FedExForum Sports Complex

It will take you from the rural field hollers and sharecroppers of the 1930s, through the explosion of Sun, Stax, and Hi Records, inside Memphis’ musical heyday in the 70s, to its global musical influence. The museum’s digital audio tour guide is packed with over 300 minutes of information, including over 100 songs. It takes visitors at their own pace through seven galleries featuring 3 audio visual programs, more than 30 instruments, 40 costumes, and other musical treasures.

Giant guitar photo op just inside the entry

Elvis senior class picture from yearbook

 

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00am-5:00pm, with the last admission at 4:00 pm.  They are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Due to a countywide mask mandate issued by the Shelby County Health Department on August 20, 2021, face masks are required while in the museum.

 

Admission is $13.00 for adults and $10.00 for youth ages 5-17.  The museum also offers other discounts for AARP members, AAA members, Smithsonian members, members of the military, and more.

 

The museum provides free audio guide headsets, packed with over 300 minutes of information and over100 songs, however, you can enjoy the museum without an audio guide. The museum’s audio guides, including music, can also be enjoyed without headphones, simply by holding the unit within 6 inches of your ear.

 

A ticket called the "Backstage Pass" can be purchased at the front desk of Rock 'n' Soul Museum for $89 each. Each pass includes:

• One  admission to the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
• One admission to Sun Studio (706 Union Avenue)
• One admission to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music (926 E. McLemore) 
• One adult Elvis Experience Tour at Graceland 

 

Graceland's Elvis Experience Tour includes admission to the Graceland Mansion, access to the all-new Visitor Entertainment Complex, Elvis' Airplanes, Presley Motors Automobile Museum and "Elvis: The Entertainer Career Showcase." 

 

The four admissions do NOT have to be used on the same day, or even on consecutive days. The "Backstage Pass" is good for one year from the date of purchase. The total value of all four attractions is $116 so you will have a savings of $27.  

 

For more information contact:

MEMPHIS ROCK 'N' SOUL MUSEUM

191 Beale Street

Memphis, TN  38103

Phone:  901-205-2533