National Civil Rights Museum

The National Civil Rights Museum, housed at the historic Lorraine Motel in Memphis, is a powerful tribute to the American Civil Rights Movement, offering immersive exhibits, educational programs, and a compelling call for social justice.

Recommended For

History & culture enthusiasts
Walk through pivotal moments of American civil rights history at one of the nation’s most significant museums.

Students & educators
Engage with powerful exhibitions, films, and seminars focused on social justice and African American heritage.

Families & groups
Explore interactive exhibits and educational opportunities designed for visitors of all ages.

Activists & advocates
Experience a deep and thought-provoking journey through decades of struggle and triumph in civil rights.

Permanent Exhibits

A Culture of Resistance (1619–1861): Explore the global impact of the Atlantic slave trade and the wealth it generated through enslaved labor.
The Year They Walked: Ride through history on a replica Montgomery bus with audio from the iconic bus boycott led by Rosa Parks and Dr. King.
Standing Up By Sitting Down: View the original lunch counter from the 1960 Nashville sit-ins and experience the student-led protest movement.
We Are Prepared to Die: Follow the brave journey of the Freedom Riders and their fight against segregation in transportation.
What Do We Want? Black Power: Learn about the Black Power movement and its modern-day connections to social movements like Black Lives Matter.

Education & Programs

Book & Author Series: Monthly talks featuring writers on civil rights, biographies, and historic events
Lunch & Learns: Public lecture and discussion series on culture, activism, and social justice topics
Educator Seminars: Week-long immersive training programs for teachers, including historic site tours
School Access: Free visits for Title 1 schools (grades 4–12) supported through grants and partnerships

Notable Features

Historic Site: Located at the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968
Interactive Technology: More than 40 films and multimedia exhibits added in a major 2014 renovation
Award-Winning Recognition: An Academy Award-nominated documentary and American Alliance of Museums accreditation

Visitor Info

Hours: Open daily except Tuesdays, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (extended summer hours available)
Admission: Rates and ticketing info available on the official website

Location

National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel
450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: 901-521-9699
Website: civilrightsmuseum.org