Museum Reviews
We were lucky enough to visit this Historic sight and Museum while on holiday over from New Zealand. It would have to be one of the most powerful and well put together display of American and Civil Rights History. Very emotional and informative experience - would love to come back.
Outstanding place to learn, and live history. The staff was amazing, the entire facility was spotless.Next time I will bring my family.
Haven’t been in ages, but I love what they have done to it over the years. Very informative and a must visit when coming to Memphis!
This is a very powerful museum. We spent well over two and a half hours going through it, there is so much to see. My wife like and did the kind of impact that the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC had on her. The struggle for equal rights was so intense for so long, and is still going on today I'm so many very real ways. Being on the site MLK was assassinated was very impactful. A must see in Memphis.
If you’re ever in Memphis! This is a must! I love learning about the civil rights movements. 10/10
This is an absolute **must-do in Memphis**. Visiting the National Civil Rights Museum was a powerful and emotional experience. It’s incredibly educational and eye-opening — walking through the exhibits truly makes you reflect on the strength, courage, and sacrifices of those who fought for equality.You can feel the history in every part of the museum, and it’s both heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. I left with a deeper sense of gratitude and respect for the movement and for those who paved the way. Everyone should visit this museum at least once in their lifetime.
Wow. Beautifully constructed, my only complaint was WOW that was a lot to read. (As a reader, that is a good thing!) But I didn’t have nearly enough time. If you wanted to truly learn and read everything in there, it would take you 5hrs to get through.So plan accordingly.There is a large free parking lot half a block from the museum, so that was lovely.Staff was INCREDIBLE! So friendly, polite, and answered any questions I had.
It is a must-see for anyone visiting Memphis or looking to gain a deeper, more visceral understanding of American history and the enduring fight for equality. Go with an open mind and be prepared for a powerful, unforgettable experience that stays with you long after you leave.
Very interesting museum which increased my understanding of the topic. Staff were very helpful and the exhibits expansive.
A must see in Memphis, now more than ever. We overheard that a freedom rider was looking for his photo somewhere in the exhibit. I hope he found it. Truly remarkable and a necessary stop for anyone. You will spend at least two hours here, so plan accordingly.
The whole museum was very educational, but when you get to Dr. King's room, it left me feeling very emotional. As if I can feel his presence.
Amazing experience!If you truly want to learn about the struggle the black and other minority experienced in the US, this is the place learn it and educate yourself.You won't truly know what it feels like but you can at least see it through the lens of this we'll curated museum.They displayed every endeavours and every battles experienced by the black community and every activist that played a vital role in improving their lives and the future generations. And struggle still continues to this day.Come to the museum to learn!
Everyone should visit. There was more info than you could take in in a single visit. You could literally spend two or three whole days here to hear and read everything! Also, there is so much information about the actual assassination of Dr. King being a government cover-up, it's criminal! Seriously look in to it, for real! Witnesses were ignored so the "investigation" could focus on a single convenient fall-guy. The King family later sued and WON arguing that the case was totally botched!
The overall museum was magnificent. This is my second time, but for some reason, it meant so much more. Maybe because of age. My children were in awe, as well as my parents. You can tell alot of planning and thought and facts were put into each decade. I will give it 5 stars for that and I love visiting the gift shop and all the employees were really nice. The only downfall was we went Wednesday 7/2/25. There was a group, I believe boys and girls club there that was extremely loud and unruly. I heard several people comment on the behavior and lack of control from the group, as well as horse playing. It really took away from the overall experience. It was the wrong place to be just for show. It's history!!!!
What a thought-provoking, inspirational, heart wrenching museum. We spent hours reading each exhibit. The museum is well designed, full of important and culturally significant research. Every room and wall is filled with historical information. You'll see the final motel room of MLK, replicas of marches, and artifacts from the ongoing fight for civil rights. Highly recommend
So many important events in American history are highlighted here. Worth experiencing for everyone.
Absolutely Amazing have to come back without your bus. Need to go on own time so your not rushed
It was an awesome experience! The hotel exhibit touched my soul listening to Mahalia Jackson.
Excellent museum that everyone should go to if they get the chance! I went on MLK day, so it was super busy but they were able to move people in very efficiently
A very thorough look at the civil rights movement and what led up to MLK jr assassination. I learned so much.
I get it, it was so sad what happened but I just felt oppressed going there. The NBA logo adaption made it feel more like a business of hate than actual learning and forgiveness.Best and most interesting was the actual shooting place of Martin Luther. I found the lady protesting out the front more interesting.
I grew up in Memphis and I've never recommended to anyone I met that they visit the city, because I never thought there was anything interesting to see there. Beale Street and Graceland are okay, but overall pretty cheeseball and underwhelming.Well, the National Civil Rights Museum by itself has changed that. It is a reason all on its own to go to Memphis. This place presents a history that few know fully and need to in order to understand what our country has been, is, and could become. I'd actually allow a couple of days, because there is so much here that I don't think it's possible to ingest it in one visit. When you're done, by all means check out a blues show on Beale Street and take a gander at the Jungle Room.
Buy tickets in advance, usually not up to 10 minutes wait to enter. Typically an hour stay
Worth coming to Memphis just to visit this museum. Moving, intense, insightful… so well done.
Incredibly moving museum with a very thoughtfully curated exhibit. This museum is created at the sight where Dr ML King was assassinated. It has the entire history from slavery, through emancipation, civil rights and everything relevant to the Black experience in America.I truly believe everyone should go to this museum. Take your children, your neighbors, your educators and your politicians. If we don’t learn from the past, we will keep repeating mistakes in the future.3 hours was barely enough for this museum.
A meaningful, impactful experience. Really brings the injustices and the efforts to bring justice to life. It's emotional, but not devastating. Leaves you with a heart that's opened more than when you entered.
So emotional! The experience was everything. The history will make you cringe but the pain our ancestors went thru is real! Everyone should visit this museum! I learned so much. There is a lot to read, takes hours to get thru if you read everything. It was worth every cent.
Amazing museum! Highly recommend visiting if you are in Memphis. Discounts available for students, teachers, military. Museum is a chronological in-depth look into the Civil Rights movement. It is informative, interesting, and well done. Some interactive portions. Able to look into MLK's motel room and see onto balcony where he was assassinated. Moving and a must visit. Allocate 2-3 hours at least.
Friendly and helpful staff make this museum a must for any visitors to the area. So moving and harrowing to see/hear the suffering of people/slaves but also how long it took to get anywhere near equality. The poignancy of the balcony and rooms of the Lorraine Hotel also left its mark on me as I suspected it would, as some who studied American History and MLK’s death.
Insightful and meaningful. Must for anyone in Memphis to learn the dark history of racism in America and the struggle African Americans went through on their quest for equality.
What an awesome experience to see this most significant piece of history. The environment is electrifying. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and they keep it raw...as they should. The black race has come a long, long ways and unfortunately, they have an even longer way to go. It's encouraging to see to blend of races at least looking interested. There are many that could benefit from this little piece of history, and if you have even a speck of a soul, you will be changed.
A moving experience that should not be missed!Without a doubt one of the best museums we have ever been to.Incredibly informative and unforgettable.
What a story told. Superbly done and extremely friendly staff! Loved it!
This is a great museum dedicated to the Civil Rights movement. You get a great appreciation for all the people who fought for the changes in the United States.The exhibits such as the Rosa Parks bus, Freedom Riders bus, Sit In restaurant, and Selma to Montgomery marches give you an immersive experience of what it was like in those days.This is definitely worth checking out
Never would have imagined that I would walk inside the hotel the Dr Martin L. King was assassinated in. Visiting this place was very emotional and informative for me.
Very moving experience that should be a must for anyone traveling to Memphis. I learned so much.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the National Civil Rights Museum, and I must say, it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was immersed in the rich tapestry of the civil rights movement in a way that I had never before encountered.One of the first things that struck me was the sheer size of the museum. I had anticipated a relatively small space, but I was pleasantly surprised to find myself exploring vast galleries and exhibits that seemed to stretch on endlessly. The depth and breadth of the museum's collection are truly impressive, and it quickly became apparent that a single visit would not suffice to take it all in.The museum did an exceptional job of telling the story of the civil rights movement in a way that was both informative and engaging. Each exhibit was meticulously curated, offering insight into different aspects of the struggle for equality and justice. From the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the March on Washington, every pivotal moment was brought to life through multimedia presentations, interactive displays, and thought-provoking artifacts.What impressed me most, however, was the museum's commitment to highlighting the voices and experiences of those who were at the forefront of the movement. Through powerful oral histories, personal accounts, and immersive reenactments, visitors are given a firsthand glimpse into the courage, resilience, and determination of those who fought for change.I would highly recommend allocating at least three hours to fully explore the museum, though even that may not be enough to see everything. Alternatively, multiple visits would allow for a more leisurely exploration of the exhibits, giving visitors the opportunity to delve deeper into this important chapter of history.Overall, my visit to the National Civil Rights Museum was nothing short of inspiring. It left me with a profound appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who came before us and a renewed sense of commitment to continue the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. If you find yourself in the area, I urge you to make time for a visit – you won't be disappointed.
Wonderful art, immersive experiences, and thought-provoking displays will make you feel like you are in the middle of it all. 2 hours didn't feel like enough time. Don't skip the gift shop. I highly recommend this museum!
I went to the museum on a Thursday at 11:45am during Black History Month. I purchased my tickets in advance online. There was no wait to get in. There were 5 busloads of kids that arrived when I did. Thankfully, the worker at the museum sent us to the next exhibit ahead of the kids so that we could enjoy the museum without trying to dodge the kids. This museum is moving. It is large. It is informative. You have to visit more than once. The gift shop is a little pricey but I was okay with it. I spent $60 on a shirt, a hat, two shot glasses and a calendar. There is plenty of free parking. I will definitely return.
You absolutely can't miss out on this fantastic museum! My family and I had an excellent experience there, and even my 10-year-old daughter 100% engaged the whole time. Trust me, you won't regret visiting this wonderfully curated place.The employees were so friendly and knowledgeable.
Very nice museum. Site recommended 1.5 to 2 hours, we took nearly 3 to read everything and catch every video. Museum does much more than focus on Dr. King.Expect a more full overview civil rights broadly. Clean and well taken care off place. Some renovations ongoing(Same as Lorraine Motel review since it's the same place)
