Last updated: 2025-04-22
Memphis offers a treasure trove of indoor attractions that bring the city’s rich cultural heritage to life. From soulful music landmarks to groundbreaking civil rights history, these indoor destinations capture the heart and spirit of the Bluff City.
Whether exploring legendary recording studios, diving into musical archives, or experiencing world-class museums, Memphis provides immersive indoor experiences that showcase the city’s profound contributions to American culture and history.
Discover Memphis’ incredible indoor attractions now!
Featured Indoor Activities in Memphis
- Graceland
- National Civil Rights Museum
- Sun Studio
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- Orpheum Theatre
- Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
- Dixon Gallery and Gardens (Indoor Galleries)
- Brooks Museum of Art
Brooks Museum of Art
What to Expect
Comprehensive art museum with 29 galleries and dynamic exhibition programming
Description
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art offers an immersive art experience with 29 galleries showcasing diverse exhibitions like Calida Rawles' water-themed portraits and Khara Woods' geometric installations. The museum provides educational programs for students, families, and adults, emphasizing art's power to inspire creativity and community dialogue.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Brooks Museum of Art
Dixon Gallery and Gardens (Indoor Galleries)
What to Expect
Art museum with integrated botanical gardens
Description
The Dixon Gallery and Gardens offers an immersive indoor and outdoor art experience featuring fine art exhibitions in the Mallory and Wurtzburger Galleries. Visitors can explore curated art collections, attend educational programs, and enjoy seasonal displays highlighting local and regional artists.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Dixon Gallery and Gardens (Indoor Galleries)
Graceland
What to Expect
Preserved historic mansion and personal collection of Elvis Presley
Description
Graceland offers an immersive museum experience celebrating Elvis Presley's life and legacy. Visitors explore the iconic mansion, view personal artifacts, tour Elvis's customized airplanes, and discover extensive exhibits spanning his music, film, and cultural impact through interactive displays and authentic memorabilia.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Graceland
Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
What to Expect
Smithsonian-curated exhibition documenting musical pioneers who overcame racial barriers
Description
The Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum chronicles the rich musical heritage of Memphis, exploring the origins of rock and soul music from rural field hollers to global musical influence. Featuring over 1,000 songs, rare autographed instruments, and a comprehensive Smithsonian-curated exhibition, the museum provides an immersive journey through the city's groundbreaking musical pioneers.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
National Civil Rights Museum
What to Expect
Original assassination site transformed into powerful civil rights memorial museum
Description
Located at the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, this museum provides immersive historical exhibits chronicling the American civil rights movement. Interactive displays, preserved historical artifacts, and powerful multimedia presentations offer profound insights into racial struggles and social justice achievements.
Where: Memphis | More Info: National Civil Rights Museum
Orpheum Theatre
What to Expect
Historic performing arts venue with community-focused mission
Description
Historic Memphis performing arts venue hosting a diverse range of live entertainment, including Broadway shows, concerts, and theatrical performances. The non-profit Orpheum Theatre Group offers educational programs and community events in a beautifully preserved historic theater space.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Orpheum Theatre
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
What to Expect
Comprehensive archival collection documenting African American musical heritage
Description
Interactive museum celebrating soul music's rich history, featuring extensive artifacts, multimedia exhibits, and comprehensive chronicles of Stax Records' legendary artists. Visitors explore immersive displays showcasing musical pioneers like Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, and the cultural impact of Memphis soul music.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Sun Studio
What to Expect
Original recording studio where rock and roll pioneers recorded groundbreaking music
Description
Sun Studio is a legendary recording studio and museum celebrating Memphis music history. Visitors can tour the actual recording space where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and other iconic musicians launched their careers. Interactive exhibits showcase original recording equipment and musical artifacts from rock and roll's early days.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Sun Studio
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