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Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #18 of 118 attractions in Memphis
Traveler Description:
Chronicling the artists and the music that shaped the legacy of "Memphis Sound," this museum features the Smithsonian's "Rock 'n' Roll: Social...... more » Chronicling the artists and the music that shaped the legacy of "Memphis Sound," this museum features the Smithsonian's "Rock 'n' Roll: Social Crossroads" exhibition. « less
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Attraction type: Specialty museum, History museum, Other
Activities: Leisure education
Address: 191 Beale St Memphis, TN 38103
Tel: 901-205-2533
Fax: 901-205-2534

Traveler Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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3 of 5 stars
ashleyhsmith 9 contributions
Birmingham, Alabama
Jun 24, 2009

This museum is owned by the Smithsonian, which shows in every facet of its character. While it was definitely a nice overview of everything in Memphis music, it seemed to waver on its message and lost the attention of my wife and me several times. The audio guides have TOO many choices and are long-winded, while the visual elements double... more

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2 of 5 stars
vossjemi 24 contributions
Missouri
May 13, 2009

Note we took this tour the day after the National Civil Rights Museum. Where the NCRM had room after room of information & displays, this museum had like 4 rooms total. Lots of pictures on the walls with factual information. The headset walks you through. Liked the video at the very beginning and the one or two videos throughout. But... more

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3 of 5 stars
Bigfoot365 6 contributions
GA
Apr 8, 2009

While my family enjoyed the Graceland and Sun Studio tours, this one was a snoozefest. I also feel like this museum intentionally downplayed the influence of Elvis and some others by focusing mainly on the soul aspect. Very little rock here. It was almost laughable the way a single afterthought wall display mentioned the Beatles at the end. I wouldn't... more

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5 of 5 stars
ltngold 11 contributions
Massachusetts
Apr 5, 2009

I agree with previous posts, this is the place to start. The museum does a great job of chronicling the history of rock and soul. Easy to understand and you travel at your own pace. more

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4 of 5 stars
EvanR 12 contributions
New York City, New York
Apr 4, 2009

Toured this museum last week and have to say that it is a must visit to give a complete overview of the entire memphis music scene. Is it the most in depth experience no but does it help you decide if you should go to Stax and Sun yes especially if you are not sure which one to go to.... more

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5 of 5 stars
wre3 2 contributions
Newcastle
Feb 1, 2009

Top notch museum - spent hours in here reading the displays watching the films and listening to the music from the jukeboxes. Clearly laid out it traces the development of music in Memphis. I preferred it to the STAX museum. more

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5 of 5 stars
georgygirl1 6 contributions
worcs
Jul 3, 2008

I have to admit that I didn't have particularly high expectations of this museum. I was so wrong! Having done the tour, I would advise anyone going to Memphis to do this tour as soon as they arrive. It gives a chronological view of the development of Soul music, thence into Rock music, with a view of what life was... more

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2 of 5 stars
aussiefolk 1 contribution
Australia
Jun 8, 2008

Not recommended for children. Found foul language from gentleman and was told it was the director. Counted [--] four times. Museum was a bit one sided and out of date. Would spend more time at Stax museum if had chance. more

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5 of 5 stars
grazinggoat66 12 contributions
Perth AUS
Dec 20, 2007
1/2 found this review helpful

Whilst you take some time to visit Beale Street and try and avoid the panhandlers, make sure that whatever you do, set aside a couple of hours to visit the Rock'n'Soul Museum. A vast array of super interesting exhibits, combined with knowledgeable staff make this self guided audio tour an absolute must do. (The personal highlight for me was the... more

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4 of 5 stars
TrevorPresley 93 contributions
Fond Du Lac, WI
Sep 30, 2007

This Museum focuses mainly on the Soul aspect of Rock n Roll, it gives you a great history in the way Soul music formed all around the World. Rock artists are also featured here. Good value for money & a nice place to check out. more

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Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum Address

191 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
Tel: 901-205-2533 Fax: 901-205-2534