National Civil Rights Museum

On April 4, 1968 all eyes in the world turned to a small hotel in Memphis, TN. On a balcony of the Lorraine Hotel, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Today, this landmark has become a tribute to the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and has ensured that at least part of Dr. King's dream would come true. From 1987 to 1991, the hotel and the four acres on which it is located underwent a radical transformation, becoming the National Civil Rights Museum, one of the most historic attractions in Memphis. 

Exhibits and its expansion cover events from 1619 to the present day and include Little Rock, Montgomery Bus Boycott, The March on Washington, Booker T. Washington, The Assassination of Dr. King and much more. The voices and faces responsible for many of the most significant events in the Civil Rights Movement come to life here and tell an enthralling story of decades of struggle for equality and fairness. Permanent exhibits include:

• A Culture of Resistance:

  This harrowing and sobering exhibit offers up graphic presentations of slave life from 1619 until 1861. Here, guests will learn the true stories of slaves and see factoids about this awful time period in history. With illuminated maps, graphics, and statistics, this truly puts slavery and its impact into perspective for visitors. 

• Standing Up By Sitting Down:

  This exhibit is dedicated to the famous student sit-in demonstrations of 1960. It was during this display that demonstrators protested against segregation. This non-violent protest was a spark in the Civil Rights Movement, and here guests can see the original counter that stood during the demonstration.

• The Year They Walked:

  Climb aboard a real bus and get unique insight into the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 - 1956. This movement highlights the boycott that changed parts of the movement. The exhibit features an interactive display and audio of Martin Luther King Jr's speeches and even 3D figures of leaders. 

• What Do We Want?:

  This Black Power exhibit features quotes, artifacts, and influential facts regarding the Black Power movement and its contributions to the changes brought on by the Civil Rights Movement. 

This museum is a must see on your Memphis, TN vacation!