Memphis: Rock 'n' Soul Museum Ticket & Audio Guide

Summary

Stories of Memphis music legends echo through Beale Street

You’ll walk through Memphis history with more than 100 songs in your ears, guided by stories that feel personal and alive. Expect spontaneous moments on Beale Street, benches for breaks, and an easy-to-use audio guide included with your ticket. It’s not just music — it’s people’s lives stitched together in sound.

What’s the experience like?

First thing that happened — a woman at the ticket desk grinned and asked if we’d ever tried to dance to Stax. I laughed, said not really, and she winked like she knew something. The Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum isn’t huge from the outside, but as soon as we got our audio guides (they hand them over right at the door), it felt like stepping into someone’s memory box. There’s this faint vinyl smell mixed with old wood and even older stories. I kept getting distracted by the photos — faces I recognized, some I didn’t — all staring back like they had something to say.

Our guide (well, the voice in my headphones) had this way of pausing just long enough between tracks that you could actually feel the silence before a song kicked in. Over a hundred songs play as you wander — I caught myself tapping my foot on one of those benches (they’re everywhere, thankfully). At one point, a guy next to me started humming along to Otis Redding and didn’t seem embarrassed at all. It was kind of contagious; you forget anyone’s watching. The exhibits go deep into how blues and soul grew up here in Memphis — not just big names but regular folks too, which surprised me.

I didn’t expect to get choked up reading about musicians who played Beale Street when segregation was still everywhere. There’s something about hearing their voices while standing right there — you can almost picture the neon lights flickering outside. Someone’s kid was spinning around by the jukebox display and nobody minded; it just felt like part of it all. You leave with your own soundtrack stuck in your head for hours after, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Memphis music history and culture

• Visit Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum
• Use audio guide to explore exhibits
• Learn about blues, rock, and soul
• Walk and enjoy live music on Beale Street

Top questions

Is the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Does admission include an audio guide?

Yes, every ticket comes with an audio guide featuring over 100 songs.

Can I bring a stroller or pram?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller throughout the museum.

Are service animals allowed inside?

Yes, service animals are permitted in all areas of the museum.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options available close to the museum.

Can I take photos inside?

No flash photography is allowed inside the museum.

Is food allowed inside the museum?

No food is permitted inside during your visit.

Are there places to sit during the visit?

Yes, benches are available throughout for sitting and taking breaks.

What’s included

Your day includes admission to the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum right on Beale Street, plus an audio guide loaded with more than 100 songs. The whole place is set up for wheelchairs or strollers and has plenty of benches if you want to pause between stories or tracks.