National Civil Rights Museum | At the Lorraine Motel

The Greatest Civil Rights Story Ever told

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This history is more important than ever.  We remain seriously committed to the safety of our guests and staff and to sharing the stories that changed our nation. We invite you to be a change maker. Schedule your visit the National Civil Rights Museum.

Plan Your Visit
  • hotel exterior

    This is the History Behind the Movement

    Slavery. Separate but equal. Boycotts. Assassinations. Black power. This is the history of the uprising that pushed national and international civil rights forward.

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  • NCRM events

    Museum Events. The Reawakening.

    Exciting events, extraordinary speakers and special guests turn civil rights history into a one-of-a-kind museum experience

    Be in the Moment
  • I Am A Man

    This Is The Story Of A People

    Of hopes and dreams, of challenge and change. It is an American story. This story and struggle that started many centuries ago, continues today — with you.

    Experience the Story

Museum Events

The Resolve: Eliminating Systemic Racism & Toxic Cultures

The National Civil Rights Museum will host the second of three, hybrid, national convenings entitled “The Resolve: Eliminating Systemic Racism and Toxic Cultures.” During the second gathering, participants will discuss the historical context of policing in the U.S.

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Become the Dream

Join us on the journey to renovate the museum's historic Legacy Building and Founders Park. Preview the renovation plans through exhibit renderings with remarks from key stakeholders from the project’s interpretative, architecture, and design teams.

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Communities for Immunity

Through the Communities for Immunity project, the museum is sharing online resources and a survey to gauge response to the urgency of COVID and getting vaccinated. 

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Donate

Your gift will keep history alive for all generations.

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Join

Museum members receive complimentary visits, invitations to special events, gift shop discounts and other benefits.

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Shop

Continue your museum experience with inspirational and unique gifts.

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Featured Exhibits

Waddell Withers and Smith: A Requiem for King

Opening April 4, 2023, Waddell, Withers, & Smith: A Requiem for King honors the 55th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through the artwork of Memphis-based artists. Sculptor James Waddell, photographer Ernest Withers, and mixed media artist Dolph Smith explore their lives in segregated Memphis, the military, and coping in the aftermath of Dr. King’s death.

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Voices of the Civil Rights Movement

This walk-up kiosk combines two video archives into one interactive display. The exhibit runs for multiple years.

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From the Vault: Collections Blog

Check out the latest artifacts and photos From the Vault, our collections blog.

From the Vault

National Civil Rights Museum Blogs

There’s plenty of history in the making here at the National Civil Rights Museum.

Dr. Noelle Trent to leave the National Civil Rights Museum

National Civil Rights Museum Director of Interpretation, Collections, and Education, Dr. Noelle Trent, announced she is leaving the museum to assume the role of President...

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Museum Statement Regarding the Passing of Harry Belafonte

The National Civil Rights Museum joins the world in grieving the loss of a civil rights activist, cultural legend, and its 1999 Freedom Award honoree,...

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Letter to the Community: Response to Video in the Murder of Tyre Nichols

LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY “Every man of humane convictions must decide on the protest that best suits his convictions, but we must all protest.” – Dr. Martin...

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