Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

About Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum

The Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum traces the evolution of American music from rural field hollers and sharecroppers of the 1930s through Memphis' musical heyday in the 70s and its global influence. Located downtown on Beale Street at the FedExForum complex, the museum features seven galleries with a digital audio tour guide containing over 300 minutes of information and more than 100 songs. Visitors explore three audio-visual programs, more than 30 instruments, 40 costumes, and other musical artifacts while learning how pioneers overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create rock and soul music. The exhibition, based on a Smithsonian Institution creation, tells the story of Sun, Stax, and Hi Records, tracing the collision of field hollers, blues, country, gospel, urban blues, jazz, rock 'n' roll, and rhythm and blues. The museum is open daily and charges admission, with discounts available for AARP members, AAA members, Smithsonian members, and military personnel. A gift shop offers Rock 'n' Soul merchandise.