National Civil Rights Museum
(901) 521-9699
450 Mulberry St
Memphis,
TN
38103
35.1344
-90.0574
Neighborhood: Southside
What People Are Saying About National Civil Rights Museum
The Editor
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Citysearch
Overview
A civil rights timeline notes the struggles of the movement, concentrating on the influential events of the 1950s and 1960s. Ten-thousand square feet of permanent exhibits plunge visitors into the sights and sounds of history including the Freedom Rides, Student Sit-Ins, Brown vs. Board of Education, and a wealth of other historical figures and events.
The Experience
A gospel hymn, "Precious Lord" plays softly on the approach to the hotel balcony where Dr. King drew his last breath. This poignant tribute is the heart of the museum. Visitors can also climb aboard a public bus like the one Rosa Parks rode, only to hear a voice telling them to move to the back. In this way, visitors can (however fleetingly) experience the pangs of prejudice.
User Reviews
Anonymous
November 25, 2007
The Civil Rights Museum has a lot of history, obviously because the museum is constructed around the hotel at which Dr. King was shot. The museum has a lot of wonderfully explained exhibits, and it's a good place to bring the family. Inquire about the free day. I don't recall the day, but they have one, as well.
read full reviewAnonymous
August 23, 2006
The National Civil Rights Museum is housed in the old Lorraine Motel- the hotel where Martin Luther King Junior was shot and died. They have removed 1/2 of the hotel and built a very modern museum there and the other half where the assasination took place is still intact, with the room Dr. King spent his last hours and the one across the hall set up in a similar fashion as well. The museum features photos, items from history (including a bus) and lots of things to read on the walls or you will not be sure what you are looking at. It is well put together and the exhibits are really neat. There is a recorded tour that I recommend because it helps you to understand what you are looking at. I really enjoyed the Dr. King section of the museum, and there is a lot of material relating to the assasination. I would probably have enjoyed the museum more if I had a better study of the Civil Rights Movement and had been familiar with more of the names and stories. I think it would appeal more to teens and adults largely due to the vast amount of material that needs to be read to understand the photos and exhibits, but small children would probably enjoy the bus and a few other exhibits. Admission is reasonable and parking is good. Check out their website for more info on times etc. PROS: Lots to learn, Stand where history took place, well thought out, audio tour CONS: Lots to read, may need advance knowledge of some events to fully appreciate
read full reviewAnonymous
September 03, 2005
Located at the historic Lorraine Motel, the National Civil Rights Museum revives a painful and important history in downtown Memphis. The museum is not just a memorial to Dr. King, but to all civil rights activists. It's packed with information and some very memorable exhibits, like the bus exhibit on the Freedom Rides. The museum is $12 for adults, but it's free on Monday afternoons. If you're a native Memphian, or visiting the city, it's a must-see.
read full reviewThe Details on National Civil Rights Museum
Category:
Museums, Sports & Recreation, Attractions, Non-Profit Organizations, Historical Sites, Recreation Facilities
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Smoking Permitted:
No
