Memphis, TN

Rock n’ Soul Museum
DESCRIPTION: Began as a Smithsonian Institution traveling research project to uncover and showcase the roots of American music, it was founded in the same building as the Gibson Guiter Factory in 2000, before moving to this FedEX Forum location in 2004; take a 2-hour tour of Smithsonian exhibit of the musical and cultural history of Memphis and the Mississippi Delta – it is may well be the most comprehensive look at the roots of of the music celebrate today and its still expanding; of critical importance among the museum’s exhibits is its coverage of the many musicians, radio stations and businessmen who broke the barriers of segregation that permeated society while furthering the Blues and creating Rock n’ Roll and Soul Music

ADMISSION: $10 Adults, $7 Ages 5-17, Ages 4 and under enter Free

DAYS & HOURS: daily 10a-7p

ADDRESS: 191 Beale Street  MAP

PHONE: 901-578-5199

WEBSITE: http://www.memphisrocknsoul.org

Center for Southern Folklore
DESCRIPTION: This cultural documents the history and traditions of the South, both good and bad; history buffs will like the exhibits which showcases some of the best music, books, folk art and photography; the multimedia archives uncover more insights on this captivating slice of Americana; the Performance Hall hosts small concerts performed by Blues, Rockabilly, Jazz, Soul, Roots, Hip-Hop and Gospel artists; the Folklore Store will well stocked for avid gift shoppers; the Center also sponsors the hugely popular Memphis Music & Heritage Festival and is a Folklore factory incubator to help create new businesses for local artists of all stripes, so the vibe can only be positive and creative

ADMISSION: varies by event

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Wed 10a-10p, Thu-Sat 10a-11p, Sun 10a-5p; winter hours are shorter

ADDRESS: 119 South Main Street  MAP

PHONE: 901-525-3655

WEBSITE: http://www.southernfolklore.com

Sun Studio
DESCRIPTION: European American owner, Sam Phillips, deserves recognition for being the first record label to record a Rock & Roll song, Jackie Brenston’s Rocket 88 in 1951 arranged by Ike Turner; BB King, Howlin Wolf, Little Milton, Rufus Thomas, Charlie Pride, and Ike Turner all got their big break here as recording artists; today the museum caters mostly to its European American market, emphasizing the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis who brought in the big bucks; tour this functioning recording studio with lots of memorabilia and a gift shop

ADMISSION:

DAYS & HOURS: daily 10:30a-6p

ADDRESS: 706 Union Ave  MAP

PHONE: 901-521-0664

WEBSITE: http://www.sunstudio.com

Brooks Museum of Art
DESCRIPTION: Houses an excellent collection of fine art from around the world dating from antiquity to present, and addressing numerous cultures; one area of note is the award-winning permanent "Art of Africa" exhibit that features over 20 works worthy of the Smithsonian; docent tours available

ADMISSION:Yes, but free on Wed

DAYS & HOURS: Tue, Thu & Fri 9a-4p, Sat 9a-5p, Sun 10a-5p;

ADDRESS: 1934 Poplar Ave in Overton Park  MAP

PHONE: 901-544-6200

WEBSITE: http://www.brooksmuseum.org

University of Memphis Art Museum
DESCRIPTION: One of America’s most notable and authentic Egyptian artifacts collection, some date as early as the pre-Dynastic period (4000-3200 BC); includes a substantial permanent collection of West African masks; museum is located on the north side of campus

ADMISSION: Free

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 9a-5p

ADDRESS: 3750 Norriswood  MAP

PHONE: 901-678-2224

WEBSITE: http://www.amum.org

Memphis Pink Palace Museum
DESCRIPTION: Features the beautiful Pink Palace Mansion, a planetarium and natural and cultural history exhibits, including hand-carved miniature circus; typical of the museum's broader outreach these days, traveling exhibits about the AKAs and Historic Black Memphians are running throughout 2008

ADMISSION: varies depending on event

DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 9a-4p, Fri-Sat 9-9, Sun 12a-6p

ADDRESS: 3050 Central Ave  MAP

PHONE: 901-320-6320

WEBSITE: http://www.memphismuseums.org

National Ornamental Metal Museum
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1979 and located on a 3.2 acre site overlooking the Mississippi River south of downtown, is only institution in the U.S. devoted to the preservation and promotion of fine metalwork; see works of ornamental art, see artists work, learn the craft and craft the art; the museum offers various education programs ranging from public demonstrations to middle and high school programs to blacksmithing and casting

ADMISSION: Adults $5, Age 62+ $4, Students w/ID and Ages 5-18 $3, Age 4 and under enter Free
DAYS & HOURS: Tue-Sat 10a-5p, Sun Noon-5p
ADDRESS: 374 Metal Museum Drive  MAP
PHONE: 901-774-6380
WEBSITE: http://www.metalmuseum.org