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Memphis music history

A group of young adults visit the Stax Museum in Memphis, TN

The Stax Museum

By Local Attractions

If you’re a fan of soul, blues, and Memphis music history, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a must-visit destination. Located on the original site of Stax Records, this iconic museum celebrates the legendary artists and recordings that shaped soul music and put Memphis at the heart of American music history.

Discover the Soul of Memphis

Founded to honor the legacy of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the MG’s, and countless other soul legends, the Stax Museum offers an immersive experience for music lovers of all ages. Visitors can explore more than 2,000 exhibits, including original instruments, rare photographs, costumes, gold records, and interactive displays that showcase the story of soul music’s rise from the streets of Memphis to worldwide acclaim.

Highlights of the Stax Museum

  • The Soul Train Exhibit: Relive the history of the groundbreaking TV show and its connection to Stax artists.
  • Gold Record Collection: See awards from legendary albums and singles that defined the soul genre.
  • Interactive Listening Stations: Hear classic tracks from Stax artists and discover the roots of rhythm and blues, gospel, and funk.
  • Memphis Music History Gallery: Learn how Stax Records and its artists influenced not just soul, but the broader American music scene.

Why Visit the Stax Museum

Visiting the Stax Museum is more than just a tour—it’s an immersive cultural experience. You’ll walk the same halls where iconic musicians recorded chart-topping hits, feel the rhythm that fueled a generation, and gain insight into Memphis’s unique contribution to music history. The museum is perfect for tourists, music enthusiasts, and families, offering both educational exhibits and an inspiring look into the power of creativity and collaboration.

Plan Your Visit

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is open daily, with guided tours available to enhance your experience. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of soul, blues, or Memphis music, or a traveler looking for the best things to do in Memphis, Tennessee, the Stax Museum is a vibrant stop on your itinerary.

  • Hours: Typically, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (check website for current hours)
  • Admission: Adults, students, and children all welcome
  • Location: 926 E McLemore Avenue, Memphis, TN

Experience the Legacy

A trip to Memphis isn’t complete without a visit to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich musical heritage, explore the stories behind your favorite soul hits, and walk in the footsteps of legends who changed the face of American music forever.

Guest hand holds tickets to tour the Graceland Mansion in Memphis, TN

Graceland: Elvis Presley’s Iconic Memphis Mansion

By Local Attractions

Graceland is the second most-visited private home in the United States, surpassed only by the White House. This world-famous Memphis attraction is instantly recognizable by its iconic music note gates shaped like a sheet of music. Designated as both a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Graceland offers fans the chance to tour Elvis Presley’s legendary home, explore his car collection, costumes, and personal artifacts. A visit to Graceland is a must for any Elvis fan or anyone looking for the top things to do in Memphis, TN.

Graceland Mansion

Discover the personal side of Elvis Presley with an interactive Graceland Mansion tour, guided by John Stamos and featuring stories and commentary from Elvis and his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. The self-guided iPad tour takes you through Elvis’s most famous rooms, including the living room, his parents’ bedroom, kitchen, TV room, pool room, and the legendary Jungle Room. Guests also explore Vernon Presley’s office, the enhanced Trophy Building, the restored Racquetball Building (as it appeared in 1977), and the peaceful Meditation Garden, where Elvis rests today. A Graceland tour is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Memphis, TN for music fans and history lovers alike.

Elvis Presley’s Memphis

Spanning over 200,000 square feet, Elvis Presley’s Memphis is a state-of-the-art entertainment and museum complex that takes you on an unforgettable journey through the life and career of Elvis Presley. Explore his roots, musical influences, and legendary artistry while surrounding yourself with the things Elvis loved most. This immersive Memphis attraction lets you experience the sights, sounds, and culture of the city that inspired the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, making it one of the top things to do in Memphis, TN for Elvis fans and music lovers alike. This part of the ticket packages often includes special exhibitions.

  • Elvis the Entertainer Career Museum
  • Presley Motors Automobile Museum
  • Elvis Discovery Exhibits

Elvis’ Airplanes

Step aboard Elvis Presley’s private planes and see how the King of Rock ’n’ Roll traveled in ultimate luxury. Tour the Lisa Marie, featuring a living room, conference room, private bedroom, gold-plated seatbelts, leather-covered tables, and 24-karat gold-flecked sinks. Fans can also explore Elvis’ smaller Lockheed Jetstar, the Hound Dog II, for a glimpse into the personalized travel lifestyle of one of the world’s most iconic entertainers. This experience is a must-see for visitors seeking unique Elvis Presley attractions in Memphis, Tennessee.

Peabody Concierge

The Concierge team at The Peabody Memphis is here to make your stay effortless. No matter the attraction you would like to visit, our Concierge staff can assist with recommendations, reservations, and travel arrangements. We’ll provide insider tips on the best Memphis attractions, tours, and experiences, ensuring you make the most of your time in the city of Memphis.  Contact Peabody Concierge

Visit Graceland

Due to reduced tour capacities, guests are strongly encouraged to purchase tour tickets in advance to ensure they receive their preferred tour time. In addition, purchasing in advance allows you to skip the ticketing lines and proceed directly to your tour at your assigned tour time.

Call Graceland Reservations from the US or Canada at 1-800-238-2000. Internationally, call 1-901-332-3322. Tickets are also available In-person at Graceland during hours of operation. Ticket Discounts are available at will call pending proof of eligibility.

Link to online ticket information: https://www.graceland.com/ticket-information

Please note that while we do our best to keep this information as up-to-date as possible, the most current information will be available on Graceland.com

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