The Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum is the perfect first stop for understanding why so much American music came from this city. Developed with the Smithsonian Institution, it follows the story from the rural sharecroppers of the Mississippi Delta, whose field songs and gospel became the blues, through the migration to Memphis and Beale Street, the radio stations that crossed the color line, and the explosion of rock ’n’ roll and soul at Sun and Stax in the 1950s and 1960s. The galleries are packed with instruments, stage costumes, jukeboxes and recording gear, but the real star is the audio guide, which holds more than five hours of content and about 100 songs, so you hear the music as you learn about it. The museum stands on the plaza of FedExForum at Beale Street and B.B. King Avenue, steps from the clubs, which makes it an easy afternoon visit before a night on Beale. This page links to the Tiqets entry ticket, rated 4.6 from 17 reviews.
How to visit: the museum is at 191 Beale Street, on the FedExForum plaza. It opens daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with final admission at 16:15, and is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission is modest, with reduced prices for young people and free entry for small children, and a combination ticket adds the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Museum up the street at 126 Beale. The Tiqets ticket is a smartphone ticket you show at the front desk, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit, and the museum is wheelchair accessible.
What to expect: the visit is self-guided and audio-led, so take your time and listen to the songs. The museum bought the former Hard Rock Cafe building at Beale and Second in 2024 and plans an eventual move there, but no date has been set and it remains open at 191 Beale.
Making the most of it: allow about two hours, go in the afternoon and walk straight onto Beale Street for dinner and live music afterwards. It also pairs well with Sun Studio for an Elvis-themed day.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided museum with an audio guide of about 100 songs, tracing Memphis music from the Delta to Sun and Stax.
Best time
Mid-afternoon, so you can step straight onto Beale Street for dinner and music when you finish.
How long
About ninety minutes to two hours.
Tips
Take the combination ticket if you also want the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, and remember it is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers who want the big picture of Memphis music in one visit.
- Families
- The audio guide keeps older kids engaged, and the museum is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
- Couples
- Share the soundtrack, then walk out onto Beale Street for the evening.
- Pair with
- Beale Street right outside, or Sun Studio for the next chapter.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
What are the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum hours?+
It opens daily from 10:00 to 17:00, with final admission at 16:15. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Where is the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum?+
It is at 191 Beale Street on the FedExForum plaza, at the corner of Beale Street and B.B. King Avenue. The clubs of Beale Street are a short walk away.
Is the museum moving?+
The museum bought the former Hard Rock Cafe building at Beale and Second in 2024 and plans to move there eventually. No date has been announced, and it remains open at 191 Beale.
Is there an audio guide?+
Yes, the audio guide is included and holds more than five hours of content and about 100 songs. It is the heart of the visit.
Can I combine it with the Memphis Music Hall of Fame?+
Yes, a combination ticket adds the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Museum at 126 Beale Street. It is a good add-on for music fans with an extra hour.
