National Civil Rights Museum
Type: Historic Sites, History Museums, Museums
10Best Says
The National Civil Rights Museum underwent a year-long, multi-million dollar rebirth, re-opening the full museum in 2014 with more interactivity, deeper exhibits, and an even better telling of the... Read More
The National Civil Rights Museum underwent a year-long, multi-million dollar rebirth, re-opening the full museum in 2014 with more interactivity, deeper exhibits, and an even better telling of the stories of the American civil rights movement.
One of the most emotionally moving museums in America, the NCRM chronicles the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers' strike – right in the very building where King was standing when gunned down.
Exhibits in the Lorraine Motel, where King and his entourage were staying, and the boarding house across the street – where gunman James Earl Ray camped out – tell the history of the civil rights movement, leading up to the assassination of King and the hunt for his killer. In addition, the pioneers of civil rights are profiled in a special exhibit dedicated to those the museum recognizes in its annual human rights awards.
Hours:
- Jun: -; Aug Mon,; Wed-Sat; 9am-6pm
- Sun: 1pm-6pm Sep; -; May Mon,; Wed-Sat; 9am-5pm
- Sun: 1pm-5pm
Admissions:
- Adult $13; Senior (55+) $11; Student $11; Child (4-17) $9.50
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Sally Walker Davies
Memphis Local Expert
- Best Attractions & Activities, Historic Sites, Attractions near FedExForum: "A good read before visiting the museum is Hellhound on His Trail by Memphian Hampton Sides. It tells the back story of James Earl Ray and offers a fantastic historical perspective of the assassination."
- Sightseeing, Museums: "A great read before visiting the museum is Hellhound on His Trail by Memphian Hampton Sides. It tells the back story of James Earl Ray and offers a fantastic historical perspective of the assassination."
- Recommended as Best Attractions & Activities Because: The Civil Rights Museum is without a doubt one of the country's best museums, thanks to its frank chronicling of one of America's darkest periods.
- Best for Sightseeing Because: Blues City's themed tours are informative and fun, especially their Elvis-focused sightseeing tour.
- Best for Museums Because: The museum brings the best and the worst of the civil rights era to its visitors.
- Best for Historic Sites Because: This Lorraine Motel portion of the museum is one of the country's most important historic sites of the 20th century.
- Best for Attractions near FedExForum Because: The museum is just a short walk from the Forum into the trendy South Main neighborhood.
