Last updated: 2025-04-22
Memphis isn’t just about blues and BBQ—it’s a treasure trove of indoor experiences that capture the city’s rich cultural heartbeat. From soul music history to civil rights landmarks, these indoor attractions offer deep dives into the stories that shaped this legendary river city.
Whether exploring the hallowed grounds of Stax Museum or walking through Graceland’s iconic rooms, Memphis provides immersive indoor adventures that connect visitors with the rhythms and narratives of American music, art, and social history.
Discover Memphis’ incredible indoor attractions now!
Featured Indoor Activities in New South Memphis
- National Civil Rights Museum (Memphis)
- Graceland (Memphis)
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music (Memphis)
- Sun Studio (Memphis)
- Orpheum Theatre (Memphis)
- Brooks Museum of Art (Memphis)
- Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum (Memphis)
- Dixon Gallery and Gardens (Memphis)
Brooks Museum of Art (Memphis)
What to Expect
Twenty-nine art galleries with dynamic contemporary exhibitions
Description
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art showcases diverse art exhibitions featuring contemporary and traditional works. The museum offers 29 galleries with rotating exhibits, including unique presentations like Calida Rawles' water-themed portraits and Khara Woods' geometric installations. Visitors can explore handmade paper art, attend educational workshops, and enjoy family-friendly cultural experiences.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Brooks Museum of Art
Dixon Gallery and Gardens (Memphis)
What to Expect
Art museum integrated with meticulously maintained botanical gardens
Description
Art museum and botanical gardens featuring rotating art exhibitions in the Mallory and Wurtzburger Galleries. Offers diverse educational programs for adults and children, with expansive gardens providing a serene backdrop for cultural experiences and learning opportunities.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Dixon Gallery and Gardens
Graceland (Memphis)
What to Expect
Elvis Presley's meticulously preserved personal residence and entertainment complex
Description
Graceland offers an immersive journey through Elvis Presley's life, featuring his iconic Memphis mansion, personal aircraft, and comprehensive museum complex. Visitors explore interactive exhibits showcasing rare artifacts, costumes, and personal memorabilia from the King of Rock and Roll's extraordinary career and private life.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Graceland
Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum (Memphis)
What to Expect
Smithsonian-backed exhibition documenting musical cultural transformation
Description
Smithsonian-curated museum chronicling Memphis music history from 1930s field hollers to 1970s global influence. Explores how musical pioneers overcame racial and socio-economic barriers to create transformative music. Features over 1,000 songs, rare autographed memorabilia, and comprehensive exhibits about rock and soul music's origins.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
National Civil Rights Museum (Memphis)
What to Expect
Preserved assassination site transformed into powerful memorial museum
Description
The National Civil Rights Museum chronicles the American civil rights movement through immersive exhibits located at the historic Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Interactive displays and powerful historical artifacts provide an in-depth exploration of pivotal moments in racial justice history.
Where: Memphis | More Info: National Civil Rights Museum
Orpheum Theatre (Memphis)
What to Expect
Historic performing arts venue with community-focused mission
Description
Historic Memphis theater offering a diverse lineup of live performances including Broadway shows, concerts, comedy acts, and music events. The non-profit Orpheum Theatre Group provides an elegant venue with rich cultural programming that supports performing arts education and community engagement.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Orpheum Theatre
Stax Museum of American Soul Music (Memphis)
What to Expect
Comprehensive archive of American soul music history
Description
Immersive museum celebrating the legendary Stax Records and its profound impact on American soul music. Visitors explore comprehensive exhibits showcasing historic recordings, instruments, and memorabilia from iconic artists like Isaac Hayes and Otis Redding. Interactive listening stations allow guests to experience the rich musical heritage of Memphis' groundbreaking record label.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Sun Studio (Memphis)
What to Expect
Historic recording studio where rock and roll legends were discovered
Description
Sun Studio offers immersive guided tours of the legendary recording studio where Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and other music icons launched their careers. Visitors explore the original recording space, view authentic vintage equipment, and learn about Memphis music history through expert-led narratives.
Where: Memphis | More Info: Sun Studio
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