The 10 Best Museums in Memphis

There are so many great things to do around the city, but if you’re looking for something fun and educational, head to some of the best museums in Memphis. The Memphis local movers of All My Sons Moving & Storage share 10 of their favorites.

Our Memphis movers welcome you to Memphis, an important location in the history of popular music including the blues and rock-n-roll. There are many world-class museums to visit, no matter what you may be interested in, from music and history to nature and art.

Fascinating Memphis Museums You Should Visit

Memphis long-distance movers know that traveling so far be draining, especially when you’re traveling for a move. We recommend leaving the packing and unpacking to our pros and the Memphis packing services while you unwind and explore the best museums in Memphis, your new hometown.

1. Graceland was Elvis’ home and is currently the second most visited home in the US. Inside you’ll find artifacts from Presley’s life such as his famous jumpsuits, the notorious Pink Cadillac and much more. Admission varies depending on the season, the day of the week, and whether or not there are any events scheduled on the estate.

2. National Civil Rights Museum is frozen in time on April 4, 1968, the day that Martin Luther King Jr. lost his life at the Lorraine Motel. This museum shares the story of civil rights in America from the 17^th century to the present day. The National Civil Rights Museum is an interactive museum suitable for both children and adults.

3. National Mississippi River Museum is located on a peninsula in the Mississippi River. Visitors learn about the river and the important role it plays in the US. Visit all 18 of its galleries, 5 of which are dedicated to the Civil War alone, and absorb over 10,000 years of the river’s history. Inside, you will learn about the people who lived on the river and those who traveled on the river’s strong currents to make trades. The National Mississippi River Museum is only open seasonally so be sure to check if they’re open before visiting.

4. Pink Palace Museum is for history lovers. Visitors will find ancient fossils and dinosaurs. You can also check out the planetarium for a quick trip to outer space and visit the mansion of Clarence Saunders which is made from pink Georgian marble. Admission is reasonably priced and on Tuesdays it’s completely free until 1pm.

5. Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum is part of the Smithsonian family of museums and honors the history of rock ‘n’ roll. Learn about all the musical greats who changed not only music but the world with their creations. This museum takes you through history, starting in the cotton-picking fields through segregation to the current era of music and see how music evolved through it all.

6. The Children’s Museum of Memphis is a great place to visit if you’re moving to Memphis with kids. Ride a carousel from 1909 or visit the different interactive exhibits so they can learn all kinds of things hands-on. Instead of dealing with adults in the way, kids can enjoy their own little world with their own errands at the grocery store, the bank, the garage and even a kitchen with realistic cookware. Kids can also venture inside a FedEx plane and see how packages are delivered, get on rides, dance around, and ride a train. The possibilities at The Children’s Museum are endless and sure to entertain your little one all day.

7. Metal Museum is exactly what it sounds like, a place all about metal. This art museum teaches its visitors how metal is extracted and turned into other things. Inside the museum are pieces of artwork and sculptures that span over 3.2 acres. The Metal Museum provides great views of the Mississippi River and downtown.

8. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is one of the oldest and largest art museums in Tennessee. The exhibits are always changing so the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art constantly challenges the way people see art.

9. Dixon Gallery & Gardens sits on 17 acres of land, filled with flowers, sculptures, bridges and fountains. The permanent collection features over 2,000 pieces of art, including rare Impressionist masterpieces. The Dixon Gallery Museum also offers lots of family fun.

10. Stax Museum of American Soul Music is credited with the creation of gospel, funk, and the blues in the 1960s. The former headquarters of Stax Records is a great place to visit for those interested in music history. You can tour a Mississippi Delta church and get a closer look at historic recording equipment while at Stax too.

Once you’re all settled into your new house, explore the city and explore the best museums in Memphis.