The best museums in Memphis in September 2025

These are the top 20 best museums in Memphis, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Memphis, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Memphis.

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Looking for the best museums in Memphis? These are the best ones:

  1. National Civil Rights Museum1

    National Civil Rights Museum

     Memphis, TN
    The National Civil Rights Museum is a significant site in American history, located in the former Lorraine Motel in Memphis, United States. This is the place where the renowned American civil rights activist Martin Luther King was assassinated in April 1968. The museum stands as a testament to the civil rights movement and the life and legacy of Martin Luther King.
  2. Stax Museum2

    Stax Museum

     Memphis, TN
    The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a significant location in Memphis, Tennessee. It is situated at 926 East McLemore Avenue, which is the site of the former Stax Records headquarters. This location is steeped in history and is a key part of the city's musical heritage.
  3. Graceland3

    Graceland

     Memphis, TN
    Graceland, located in the Whitehaven neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee, was the home of the legendary Elvis Presley from 1957 until his death in 1977. This historic estate offers a unique glimpse into the life of the King of Rock 'n' Roll, making it a significant destination for fans and music enthusiasts alike.
  4. The Cotton Museum At the Memphis Cotton Exchange4

    The Cotton Museum At the Memphis Cotton Exchange

     Memphis, TN
    The Cotton Museum is situated in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. It is housed on the former trading floor of the Memphis Cotton Exchange, located at 65 Union Avenue in downtown Memphis. This location is steeped in history, as it was once the hub of the cotton industry in the region.
  5. Memphis Museum of Science & History5

    Memphis Museum of Science & History

     Memphis, TN
    The Museum of Science & History - Pink Palace in Memphis, Tennessee, is a significant science and historical museum in the Mid-South. It offers a wide range of exhibits, from archeology to chemistry, providing a comprehensive and diverse learning experience for visitors. The museum's exhibits are designed to engage and educate visitors about various scientific and historical topics.
  6. Brooks Museum of Art6

    Brooks Museum of Art

     Memphis, TN
    The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is a significant cultural institution in the state. Established in 1916, it holds the distinction of being the oldest and largest art museum in Tennessee. This museum offers a comprehensive collection of art, making it a worthwhile destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.
  7. Woodruff-fontaine House7

    Woodruff-fontaine House

     Memphis, TN
    The Woodruff-Fontaine House, located at 680 Adams Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee, is a historic building that holds significant value. It stands as a testament to the city's rich history and architectural prowess. Visitors can appreciate the intricate design and the story it tells about the past.
  8. Stax Museum of American Soul Music8

    Stax Museum of American Soul Music

     Memphis, TN
    The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a significant location in Memphis, Tennessee. It is situated at 926 East McLemore Avenue, which is the site of the former Stax Records headquarters. This location is steeped in history and is a key part of the American soul music scene.
  9. Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art9

    Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art

     Memphis, TN
    The Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art is situated at 119 South Main Street, where it intersects with Gayoso Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. This location is easily accessible and central, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city.
  10. Fire Museum of Memphis10

    Fire Museum of Memphis

     Memphis, TN
    The Fire Museum of Memphis is situated in the historic Fire Engine House No. 1, located at 118 Adams Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. This location is in the heart of downtown Memphis, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. The museum is housed in a building that was built in 1910, adding a touch of historical charm to the experience.
  11. Memphis Children's Museum11

    Memphis Children's Museum

     Memphis, TN
    The Children's Museum of Memphis (CMOM) is conveniently located in the heart of Midtown Memphis at 2525 Central Avenue. This central location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. The museum is a great destination for families with children, offering a variety of interactive exhibits and programs.
  12. The Cotton Museum12

    The Cotton Museum

     Memphis, TN
    The Cotton Exchange of Memphis, a significant historical site, is situated in the heart of downtown Memphis, Tennessee, USA. It is conveniently located at the intersection of Front Street and Union Avenue, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city.
  13. Lichterman Nature Center13

    Lichterman Nature Center

     Memphis, TN
    The Lichterman Nature Center, a certified arboretum and nature center, is situated in East Memphis, Tennessee. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in nature and learn about various plant and animal species. The center is part of the Pink Palace Family of Museums, making it a significant part of the local cultural and educational landscape.
  14. Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum14

    Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum

     Memphis, TN
    The Burkle Estate, also known as Slavehaven, is a historic home located at 826 North Second Street in Memphis, Tennessee. This location is steeped in history and is believed by many to have been a part of the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped slaves escape to freedom in the northern states. The house was built in 1849 by a German immigrant named Jacob Burkle and has been home to the Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum since 1997.
  15. Art Museum of the University of Memphis15

    Art Museum of the University of Memphis

     Memphis, TN
    The Art Museum of the University of Memphis, also known as AMUM, is situated at 3750 Norriswood Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee. This location is the primary art museum of the University of Memphis, offering a variety of exhibits and collections for visitors to explore.
  16. Memphis Botanic Garden16

    Memphis Botanic Garden

     Memphis, TN
    The Memphis Botanic Garden is a vast 96-acre botanical garden situated in Audubon Park at 750 Cherry Road, Memphis, Tennessee. This expansive garden offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a variety of plant species and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The location is easily accessible and provides a serene environment for relaxation and exploration.
  17. Dixon Gallery & Gardens17

    Dixon Gallery & Gardens

     Memphis, TN
    The Dixon Gallery and Gardens is a renowned art museum nestled within 17 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Established in 1976, the museum is conveniently located at 4339 Park Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, United States. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore a wide range of art collections while enjoying the serene beauty of the gardens.
  18. Elvis Presley Automobile Museum18

    Elvis Presley Automobile Museum

     Memphis, TN
  19. C.H. Nash Museum Chucalissa19

    C.H. Nash Museum Chucalissa

     Memphis, TN
    The C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa is a significant location that showcases the excavated materials of the Mississippian culture archaeological site known as Chucalissa. This site provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and understand the rich history and culture of the Mississippian people. The museum's exhibits offer a comprehensive view of the artifacts and materials excavated from the site, providing a tangible connection to the past.
  20. Metal Museum20

    Metal Museum

     Memphis, TN
    The Metal Museum, previously known as the National Ornamental Metal Museum, is situated in Memphis, Tennessee. It was established by artist-blacksmith James Wallace. The museum is dedicated to showcasing metalwork exhibitions and hosting public programs featuring metalsmiths.

All museums in Memphis