A Journey Through History at the National Civil Rights Museum
Explore the profound history of the Civil Rights Movement at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, a must-visit destination for all tourists.
The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, is a captivating destination that chronicles the history of the Civil Rights Movement in America. This museum, located at the site of the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, provides a profound, immersive experience for visitors eager to understand the struggle for equality. Through powerful exhibits and historical artifacts, tourists can engage with the narratives of courage and resilience that shaped the nation's civil rights landscape.
A brief summary to National Civil Rights Museum
- 450 Mulberry St, Memphis, South Forum, Tennessee, 38103, US
- +1901-521-9699
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
- Thursday 9 am-6 pm
- Friday 9 am-6 pm
- Saturday 9 am-6 pm
- Sunday 9 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Plan your visit during weekdays to avoid larger crowds.
- Allocate at least two to three hours to fully experience the exhibits.
- Don’t miss the outdoor exhibits, including the historic Lorraine Motel.
- Check for any special events or guided tours that might enhance your visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking a lot throughout the museum.
Getting There
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Public Bus
From any location in Germantown, walk to the nearest bus stop. You can catch the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) bus route 34, which runs towards Memphis. Board the bus and ride it until you reach the 'Main St @ Union Ave' stop in Memphis. From there, transfer to the MATA route 2 bus heading towards the 'Downtown Memphis' area. Get off at the 'Main St @ Mulberry St' stop. The National Civil Rights Museum is located at 450 Mulberry St, just a short walk from the bus stop.
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Bicycle
If you have access to a bicycle, you can ride from Germantown to the National Civil Rights Museum. Use the bike lanes on Poplar Ave heading west. Continue along Poplar Ave until you reach the intersection with Main St. Turn right onto Main St and follow it south into downtown Memphis. The museum is located at 450 Mulberry St, which is just a few blocks off Main St. Lock your bike at a designated bike rack near the museum.
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Walking
If you are close enough, you can walk to the museum. Start at the Germantown Town Center and head west on Poplar Ave. Continue until you reach the intersection with Main St. Turn left onto Main St and follow it south. Once you reach the downtown area, make a right onto Mulberry St, and the National Civil Rights Museum will be on your left at 450 Mulberry St.
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Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Open your rideshare app (Uber or Lyft) and set your destination to 450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103. The app will provide you with the nearest drivers who can pick you up from your current location in Germantown and take you directly to the National Civil Rights Museum. Make sure to confirm your pickup point for a smooth ride.
Discover more about National Civil Rights Museum
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
I am a Man Mural
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1866 Memphis Historic Marker
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The Arcade Restaurant
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Historic Clayborn Temple
0.6 km
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Schools for Freedmen Historical Marker
0.7 km
Explore the Schools for Freedmen Historical Marker in Downtown Memphis, a vital symbol of the fight for education and equality in American history.
A. Schwab
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Discover unique souvenirs and local memorabilia at A. Schwab, a historic variety store on Beale Street, Memphis, filled with charm and character.
Memphis Mojo Tour
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Ida B. Wells Marker
0.8 km
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Memphis Tourism
1.0 km
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The Cadre Building
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Memphis Suffrage Monument
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The Sterick Building
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Lincoln American Tower
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Fire Museum of Memphis
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1862 Post Office Historical Marker
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lorraine Motel
0.0 km
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Blues Hall of Fame Museum
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Earnestine & Hazel's
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The Broom Closet
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Historical Haunts of Memphis
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Letter Carriers Band Mural
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Memphis Railroad & Trolley Museum
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Old Dominick Distillery
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MLK Reflection Park
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African Americans from Memphis
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Vance Park
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Mempho Presents : SmokeSlam - The Ultimate BBQ Showdown
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Tom Lee Park
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I AM A MAN Plaza
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Mempho Presents : RiverBeat Music Festival
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Essential places to dine
Central BBQ - Downtown
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Slider Inn - Downtown
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Bishop
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SOB Downtown
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The Green Beetle
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The Blue Monkey
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Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken
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The Lobbyist
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Catherine & Mary's
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Esco Memphis Restaurant & Tapas
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Itta Bena
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King Jerry Lawler's Hall of Fame Bar & Grille
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The Pig On Beale
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Silky O'Sullivan's
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Blues City Cafe
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hustle & Dough
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Stock & Belle
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Feelin' Memphis
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South Front Antiques
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ODDS Atelier
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Silk N Honey Boutique + Permanent Jewelry
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B.B. King's Store
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Memphis Music
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Walking Pants Curiosities
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Blues City General Store
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Grizzlies Den
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Beale Sweets Sugar Shack
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Strange Cargo
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Beale Street Gift Shop
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The Peanut Shoppe
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar Hustle
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Eight & Sand
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Ibis Cocktail Bar
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BarWare
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Beck & Call
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Club 152
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Band Box
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The Absinthe Room
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Patio Bar
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Blues Hall Juke Joint
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Silly Goose
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Club Handy
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Green Room
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Tin Roof
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Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
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