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Memphis National Civil Rights Museum

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4.5 star rating: Recommended 686 Reviews

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  • Address: 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103-4214, USA
  • Hours: Mon, Wed–Sat: 9am–5pm (opens at 1pm on Sun)
  • Admission: Varies

Memphis ATTRACTIONS See all

Memphis National Civil Rights Museum Tours

Built around the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, the National Civil Rights Museum immediately emits its cultural and historical significance to all who visit. Exhibits chronicle some of the most important episodes of the Civil Rights Movement, including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, the Little Rock Nine, Montgomery Bus Boycotts, and the famous sit-ins of the 1960s.

The Basics
Both the historical importance of the place and the material displayed within make the National Civil Rights Museum a must for better understanding this tumultuous part of American history. As one of the most meaningful attractions in Memphis, the museum can be visited a number of ways. Many sightseeing tours, particularly American Civil Rights and history tours, include a stop here, while other tours combine the museum with visits to sites such as the Stax Museum of American Soul Music or the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Travelers who'd rather move at their own pace can visit independently or on a self-guided tour of the city’s many African American heritage sites.
  • This site is a must-see for history buffs.
  • Give yourself a minimum of two hours to experience the museum exhibits.
  • Flash-free photography is permitted.
  • Much of the museum is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get to the Memphis National Civil Rights Museum
The museum is situated in the South Main District in downtown Memphis, a short drive from most of the city’s other attractions. Free parking is available in a guest lot off Mulberry Street. It’s also a short walk from the Main Street Trolley line.

When to Get There
The National Civil Rights Museum is closed on Tuesdays and most major U.S. holidays. During the summer season between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, opening hours are extended in the evenings. On weekdays, school groups tend to arrive in the morning, so planning a visit for later in the afternoon can mean shorter lines and fewer crowds.

What to See Beyond the Lorraine
Many visitors tour the portion of the museum housed within the Lorraine Motel and leave, but they’re missing out. Across Mulberry Street from the motel, the Young & Morrow and Boarding House buildings from (where the assassin’s shot was allegedly fired) house the Legacy exhibits, which cover a timeline of the American Civil Rights movement and a look at the movement’s effect on global human rights.

Tours & Tickets

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African American Heritage Self-Guided Tour With Transportation, Memphis, null
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 1 ADMISSION : 3

African American Heritage Self-Guided Tour With Transportation

1 star rating: I do not recommend this 1 Review

On the Memphis African American Heritage Tour, you will be picked up at your Hotel or Local Accommodations and we will take you to visit two historical ...  Read more

Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Duration: 5 hours (approx.)

From USD $75.00
Memphis Heritage Attraction Pass, Memphis, Museum Tickets & Passes
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 1

Memphis Heritage Attraction Pass

Our Memphis Heritage Attraction Pass allows you to step back in time and follow the Civil Rights movement with entry into the National Civil Rights Museum and ...  Read more

Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Duration: Flexible

From USD $38.00
Memphis City Tour with Optional Graceland Admission, Memphis, Sightseeing & City Passes
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Memphis City Tour with Optional Graceland Admission

4.5 star rating: Recommended 382 Reviews

See top Memphis attractions on this narrated sightseeing tour that takes you along the Mississippi River. Pass Victorian homes, historical statues and cultural ...  Read more

Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

From USD $30.00
Memphis Mojo Music Bus Tour, Memphis, City Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Memphis Mojo Music Bus Tour

5 star rating: Highly Recommended 188 Reviews

The Home of the Blues comes alive aboard Memphis' only Music Bus! Real Memphis musicians will show you the sights, make you laugh, and perform the music that ...  Read more

Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

From USD $32.78
Memphis City Tour and Riverboat Cruise, Memphis, Literary, Art & Music Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Memphis City Tour and Riverboat Cruise

4 star rating: Recommended 48 Reviews

This combo tour will help you experience all Memphis has to offer. Our professional humorous guides will help you discover downtown Memphis and the Mississippi ...  Read more

Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

From USD $80.00
Memphis Discovery Tour including Rock and Soul Museum, Memphis, Day Cruises
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Memphis Discovery Tour including Rock and Soul Museum

4.5 star rating: Recommended 115 Reviews

Explore downtown Memphis on a guided tour with fascinating commentary from a local guide. The city’s history comes to life as you learn about sights such as ...  Read more

Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

From USD $41.52
City of Memphis Tour, Memphis, City Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

City of Memphis Tour

3.5 star rating: Worth doing 17 Reviews

Our professional, humorous guide will help you discover Memphis. Explore what Memphis has to offer the world with us. Discover our Musical and Historical City ...  Read more

Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

From USD $30.00
Elvis Presley Childhood Home Tour from Memphis, Memphis, Bus & Minivan Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Elvis Presley Childhood Home Tour from Memphis

1 star rating: I do not recommend this 1 Review

Elvis Presley grew up in the small town of Tupelo Mississippi and became one of America's greatest entertainers of all-time. Tupelo is where it all started ...  Read more

Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)

From USD $170.00

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