Visit the Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel

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The museum IS open!

The National Civil Rights Museum is pleased to welcome visitors back after temporarily closing due to the pandemic. The museum initially will maintain 30% capacity, with a flow of 25 guests every 20 minutes. Guests are required to purchase timed tickets online prior to visiting the Museum to maintain social distancing and capacity guidelines provided by health officials. 

Safety Measures

Staff and guests are required to wear face masks inside the Museum with masks provided for guests who arrive without them. Staff will undergo daily temperature checks. Additional hand sanitizer dispensers and regular disinfection are part of the Museum’s plan to protect everyone’s health. Throughout the Museum, signage and floor markings will help visitors maintain social distancing six feet apart. Water fountains will be disabled. There will be frequent sanitization of high touch areas daily.

Experience Modifications

At least for the first few weeks of reopening, guided tours are limited and the Boarding House will remain closed. Interpretive talks will be held outdoors in the museum courtyard, weather permitting.  Staff also will be strategically placed within exhibits for gallery tours and to assists visitors. 

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Hours

Effective 7/1/2020
Monday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tuesday
  CLOSED
Wednesday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday CLOSED


Average museum experience is 1.5 hours.
Guests who begin their visit within last hour
should expect an abbreviated experience.

Online Reservation Policies

Policies acceptance required to confirm tickets.

ADMISSION

Adults $17.00
Seniors 55+, College Students w/ID $15.00
Children ages 5-17 $14.00
4 & under Free
Museum Members Free
Active U.S. Military Free

 

Get Tickets

 

Timed tickets sold online only. No refunds. Check-in 15 minutes early. 
Last ticket sold at 4:20pm.

Ticketing for walk-up visitors are based on availability, or standby basis.

Group Visits

Groups of 20 or more are eligible for admission rate discounts if scheduling at least two weeks in advance.

Learn More

 

Free Period for Tennessee Residents

Tennessee residents with state-issued ID may visit the museum for free on Mondays from 3 p.m. until closing. (Not applicable for tour groups and operators. Maximum 5 people (2-Adults & up to 3 Children) per reservation.

Tennessee Free Period Reservation

Not available on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, April 4th, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day or Veterans’ Day.)


Other Discounts

Active Museum Members receive admission benefits. Must show membership card or proof of active membership at entrance.

Member Pass

 

Active U.S. military members with ID may visit the museum for free.

Active U.S. military pass
 

 

U.S. Veterans with ID and U.S. military family members accompanied by active military with ID receive discounted admission.

U.S. veterans & active military families

 

Bank of America customers receive free admission on Museums On Us days, 1st Sunday of the month. The program will begin again September 6, 2020.

Museums On Us PASS

 

Admission available for North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) members.

NARM member Pass

 

Rates and hours are subject to change. For admission inquiries, contact boxoffice@civilrightsmuseum.org.

Museum Holidays

The museum and administrative offices are closed on the following holidays:

  • New Year's Day
  • Easter Sunday
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day

The museum is open on the following holidays, however administrative offices are closed:

  • Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day

Find Us

Get directions

 

The National Civil Rights Museum is located at 450 Mulberry Street, Memphis, TN 38103. We are in the heart of the South Main District in downtown Memphis.

Free parking is available for museum guests. To enter the visitor lot, turn north on Mulberry Street from G.E. Patterson Avenue.

View Common Routes

From Interstate I-40 East (Nashville):

  • Take I-40 to I-240 North to Little Rock, Exit 10B.
  • Follow I-240 until it divides, staying in left lanes, take I-40 West to Little Rock
  • Go west to Second St. Downtown, Exit 1A (Second St. Exit veers left going south through Downtown)
  • Take Second St. to G.E. Patterson Blvd.
  • Make a right on G.E. Patterson Blvd.
  • Make a right on Mulberry St.

From Interstate I-40 West (Little Rock):

  • Take I-40 to the Riverside Dr., Downtown, Exit 1.
  • Take Riverside to Beale St., make a left
  • Make next right onto Front St.
  • Take Front to G.E. Patterson Blvd.
  • Make a left on G.E. Patterson Blvd.
  • Make a left on Mulberry St.

From Mississippi, Whitehaven (via I-55 Interstate):

  • Follow I-55 toward St. Louis
  • Keep straight until I-55 turns into Riverside Dr.
  • Make first right at W. Carolina Ave. (gas station at the corner)
  • Take Carolina to South Main, turn left on South Main
  • Take South Main to G.E. Patterson Blvd.
  • Make a right on G.E. Patterson Blvd.
  • Take G.E. Patterson to Mulberry St.
  • Make a left on Mulberry St.

Campus Map

Camera/video & Media Policy

Photography within the museum exhibitions is permitted as long as NO FLASH is used. Guests are invited to post images of museum experiences to our social media pages.

Media personnel, photojournalists and bloggers must be credentialed at least 48 hours in advance.  Send requests to the communications office at (901) 521-9699 ext. 2292 or cdyson@civilrightsmuseum.org

Security Screenings

All guests entering the National Civil Rights Museum are subject to a screening process.  The National Civil Rights Museum reserves the right to inspect all guest’s packages, purses, backpacks, fanny packs and other bags prior to entering the museum. Sharp objects more than 2.5 inches long, weapons and illegal contraband will not be permitted in the museum. Please leave and secure any unnecessary articles in your vehicle to expedite your entry.  Oversize bags brought into the museum must be checked with security.  Animals are not allowed in the museum, except for service animals.

Family Guide

The National Civil Rights Museum seeks to open a dialogue about the story of African Americans who experienced and resisted discrimination — a history that spans slavery through the modern Civil Rights Movement, nonviolent protests to armed self-defense. To reveal the full story, the museum contains sensitive materials that may be frightening or troubling to children and adolescents. Review our family guide for suggestions on ways to discuss sensitive topics with young visitors.

Group Reservations

Groups of 20 or more are eligible for a discounted admissions rate.

Learn more

Facility Rental

The museum is an exceptional location for your convention, meeting, or corporate holiday party.

Learn more

Visitor FAQs

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