One of the top things to do in Memphis, Tennessee – tour Stax Museum of American Soul Music. You’ll start your tour in a turn-of-the-century (1900s) gospel church and then travel through time as you experience the evolution of American soul music. This recording studio known for its Memphis Sound turned out musical legends and hit songs from Otis Redding, the Mar-Keys, Booker T. and the MGs, Rufus Thomas, Isaac Hayes, and more.
While I received a complimentary ticket courtesy of Memphis Travel to visit and review Stax Museum of American Soul Music, opinions are always my own. I highly recommend this tour as one of the best music history museums in Memphis and the world. And I’m not alone. USA Today readers named Stax Museum of American Music as one of the best pop culture museums in 2021 (Readers’ Choice Travel Awards).
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Top things to do in Memphis, Tennessee: Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Before my visit to Memphis, I hadn’t heard of Stax Museum. But this iconic recording studio that began in a movie theater definitely produced familiar hit songs and recording artists. You may have heard of the classic Soul Man – first recorded by Sam Moore and David Prater and written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter.
And then there’s Sitting on the Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding. He actually recorded this song just a couple of weeks before he died in a plane crash. Redding’s legacy lives on at the Stax Museum of American Soul Museum in Memphis.
As does many other American soul musical legends.
Located on the original site of the Stax Records recording studio in Memphis, this museum features more than 2,000 pieces of memorabilia related not only to their recording artists, but other American soul legends as well. Here you’ll witness interactive exhibits, films, costumes, instruments, vintage equipment, vinyl record collections and more.
Made possible by the Soulsville Foundation, this organization also oversees the Stax Music Academy and the Soulsville Charter School on the same campus as the studio.
What you need to know before you go: Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Founded in 2003, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music is the first and only museum dedicated to the history of America’s soul music – with a focus on Stax Records and the Memphis Sound. The Stax Music Academy serves primarily at-risk youth with mentoring experiences, music education programs, and performance opportunities. The Soulsville Charter School, a tuition-free public charter school, serves more than 600 students in grades 6-12 in a music-rich educational environment.
Here are a few things to know before you visit Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, Tenn.
When is Stax Museum of American Soul Music open? What are their hours?
Stax Museum of American Soul Music is open for tours Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
How much are tickets to Stax Museum of American Soul Music?What’s the cost of admission to Stax Museum?
Check the Stax Museum of American Soul Music website for the most updated ticket prices. Currently (as of this published date), ticket prices range from $10 to $13 (children 8 and under and members are free).
How long is the Stax Museum of American Soul Music tour? How much time should I allow to visit Stax Museum?
As the tours of Stax Museum are self-guided, you can tour as long or as brief as you like. I recommend allowing at least 90 minutes to check out all the cool music memorabilia and exhibits at Stax Museum.
Pictured: Rufus Thomas exhibit. Ready to get your grove on? Start playing The Dog or Do the Funky Chicken Rufas Thomas – such classic songs that’ll have you dancing in your seat or on your feet.
Are face masks required at Stax Museum of American Soul Music?
Currently (as of this publication date), face masks are required inside the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. You’ll find creative and clever social-distancing signs throughout the museum.
What’s the address of Stax Museum of American Soul Music? Where is Stax Museum of American Soul Music located? Is there free parking?
Stax Museum of American Soul Music is located in the iconic neighborhood known as Soulsville. The address is 926 E. McLemore Ave.., Memphis, TN 38106. The campus also includes the Stax Music Academy and The Soulsville Charter School. You will find ample free parking behind the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
Can you take photos inside Stax Museum of American Soul Music?
Yes, you may take photos inside Stax Museum (no flash photography allowed). Pictured: A real 1906 church from the Mississippi Delta. Reassembled, it reflects the roots of Southern gospel music.
DoesStax Museum of American Soul Music have a restaurant?
No, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music does not have a restaurant. However, you can purchase beverages in their gift shop.
Does Stax Museum of American Soul Music have restrooms?
Yes, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music has restrooms available for guests.
Does Stax Museum of American Soul Music have a gift shop? Can I purchase Stax Museum of American Soul Music souvenirs online?
Yes, Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis has a gift shop. You can find lots of music memorabilia such as vinyl records, apparel, magnets, bottles, and more.
Take a virtual tour of Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Fun fact: Popular in the 70s especially, 8-track tapes started phasing out in the early 1980s as this stereo was sidelined by cassette tapes. Interestingly, cassette tapes were invented before 8-track tapes.
Did you know this about Stax Museum of American Soul Music?
Stax Museum’s first single was Cause I Love You by Rufus and Carla Thomas, which came out in 1960. That same year, Stax signed a deal with national distributor Atlantic Records.
While that relationship launched and maintained the success of Stax for several years, it ended badly when Atlantic Records was sold to Warner Bros. in 1967. Due to a clause in the original contract with Atlantic, Atlantic (Warner Bros.) was entitled to all rights, titles, interest, and reproductions of Stax’s recordings between 1960 and 1967. Stax no longer owned any of its original recordings from that period.
Stax Recording Studio got its name from the first two letters of the recording studio’s founders’ last names: Jim STewart and his sister, Estelle AXton. She mortgaged her house a couple of times to finance equipment and their move to a former movie theater – (the current site of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis.
Fun Fact about Stax Museum of American Soul Music
When cash flow was tight in 1960, Axton opened up a record store in the former theater’s concession stand area. This also provided some marketing intelligence as they learned what people listened to the most.
Fun fact about Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Otis Redding, one of Stax Recording Studio’s mega stars, just showed up one day. He was the chauffeur/roadie for another recording artist. When that session didn’t go well, they allowed Redding to sing. He became their biggest star.
Stax Museum fun fact
Reeling from losing their recordings to Atlantic Records/Warner Bros., Al Bell became vice president. He didn’t waste any time. During what’s known as the Soul Explosion, he led Stax back when the studio recorded 30 singles and 27 albums in eight months.
Funky fun fact about Stax Museum
It’s well known that business disruption creates innovation. And that’s what happened when Al Bell asked one of the recording studio’s long-time songwriter and studio musician to produce an album. Giving him total artistic freedom, Issac Hayes recorded Hot Buttered Soul – which went on to sell 3 million copies that same year (1969). That album only includes four singles (each of them more than five minutes). Listen to Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic for a taste of this soulful album.
A couple of years later, Isaac Hayes won an Oscar, two Grammy awards and an NAACP Image Award for his soundtrack album for the movie, Shaft (the original in 1971). The album was recorded at Stax Recording Studio.
After the success of Shaft, Hayes negotiated a new contract, which included this set of wheels. This $26,000 1972 peacock-blue, gold-plated Cadillac featured a refrigerated bar, shag carpeting, a TV, 24-carat gold windshield wipers and hubcaps.
Another fun fact about Stax Museum
The movie theater-turned-recording studio had a noticeable slanted floor. This defect actually became part of Stax studio’s signature mark as it deadened the sound.
Why I recommend Stax Museum of American Soul Music to my friends and family
My husband and son are audiophiles and huge music history buffs. The entire time during my tour I was wishing they were with me as I knew they would love visiting the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
And you can participate. The Express Yourself Dance Floor (yes, people were dancing…I had to wait to get this shot) encourages you to shake your bootie as vintage clips from Soul Train plays on a loop.
Soul Train aired nationally for 35 years (1971-2006) and showcased the best R&B, soul and funk artists. I remember watching it on Saturday mornings.
[Soul Train] allowed Stax to expose our music to a larger segment of the population. You probably had more white Americans viewing Soul Train than Black people. It allowed us to do in one hour what it would take us to do in six months of touring.
Al Bell, Stax Records Executive
Pin it for later: Top things to do in Memphis, Tenn.– Tour Stax Museum of American Soul Music
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38 comments
Wow this is an interesting museum! I like how everything here is so colorful and stylized. Your post is very thorough and provides so much information. Can definitely use this as a detailed guide for future visits!
Stax Museum of American Soul Music looks like a place my Hubby would love to visit. Too bad I didn’t know about this the last time we were in Memphis!
Hopefully, you’ll get another opportunity to visit Memphis. If your husband loves music and history, then he’ll love Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
Interesting! My boyfriend would totally love this place. Music and history, it’s all he needs! we’ll have to go some day if we make it to Nashville
If he loves music and history, then he would love Stax Museum of American Soul Music. In fact, I’ve got a whole blog series of music museums in both Memphis and soon-to-be-published posts in Nashville.
I LOVE Otis Redding and this would make such a wonderful experience! This is definitely something to add to the bucket list when visiting Memphis for sure!
I hope you get the opportunity to visit Memphis! One of the best cities in the U.S. My favorite place to stay in Memphis is the historic Central Station. Learn more:
I have never visited Memphis. But when I think of this city music sure does come immediately to mind. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music sounds like a great spot to learn more about the evolution of soul music. Good to know that we can wander around at our pace and would need a few hours to enjoy the displays. How interesting to read that Otis Redding was a surprise find that became a big star!
I highly recommend Stax Museum of American Soul Music if you ever get the opportunity to visit Memphis. I thought how Otis Redding was discovered was a fun fact.
What a fun museum! I love how colourful and bright it is on the inside and out! I also love the fact about them setting up a record store – what a great way to do market research! Thanks for the great guide!
This museum sounds very interesting. I never knew about the origin of the Stax label. One thing I do love about music museums is the display of the artist’s fashion (and their cars) of the time.
Thank you! I learned a lot about Stax recording studio on my tour of its museum in Memphis. I love that their exhibits showcase the musician outfits and cars of the time.
I hadn’t heard of the Stax Museum of American History either, but definitely recognized many songs and musicians. One of the top things to do in Memphis.
I would really love to visit Memphis, but my hubby has already been, and doesn’t care to go back. Museum of American Soul is something I’d love to check out.
Wow this is an interesting museum! I like how everything here is so colorful and stylized. Your post is very thorough and provides so much information. Can definitely use this as a detailed guide for future visits!
Thank you so much! Stax Museum is one of the best things to do in Memphis.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music looks like a place my Hubby would love to visit. Too bad I didn’t know about this the last time we were in Memphis!
Hopefully, you’ll get another opportunity to visit Memphis. If your husband loves music and history, then he’ll love Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
What a fun place to wander through! Memphis is on my travel list. I’ll definitely include a stop at Stax.
Stax Museum is perfect to wander and learn all about American Soul Music. One of the top things to do in Memphis.
Interesting! My boyfriend would totally love this place. Music and history, it’s all he needs! we’ll have to go some day if we make it to Nashville
If he loves music and history, then he would love Stax Museum of American Soul Music. In fact, I’ve got a whole blog series of music museums in both Memphis and soon-to-be-published posts in Nashville.
Great spot! We visited when we were in memphis and loved all the memorbilia!
Awesome! The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is such a fun thing to do in Memphis.
I heard of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the US and thought it was sort of all genres. I didn’t realize the country had more music museums!
I’ve been to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame also. I discovered so many more cool music museums in Memphis and Nashville.
I LOVE Otis Redding and this would make such a wonderful experience! This is definitely something to add to the bucket list when visiting Memphis for sure!
Thank you! If you love Otis Redding, you will love the Stax Museum of American Soul Museum. It’s one of the top things to do in Memphis.
I’ve had Memphis on my list for so long! What hotels do you recommend? I need to go!
I hope you get the opportunity to visit Memphis! One of the best cities in the U.S. My favorite place to stay in Memphis is the historic Central Station. Learn more:
https://www.kmfiswriting.com/top-things-to-do-in-memphis-tenn-a-three-day-itinerary/#Best_hotel_in_Memphis_The_historic_Central_Station_Hotel
This is such a great museum. Love Memphis and all it has to offer.
Thanks! Stax Museum of American Soul Music is one of the great museums in Memphis.
How interesting! I love a deep dive into history!
Thank you so much! Stax Museum of American Soul Music is perfect to do a deep dive into history.
This is so cool! I love all the artifacts, but the peacock-blue, gold-plated Cadillac takes the cookie! Wowza!
I also love that there is a dancefloor at the end, and that people were using it!! What a fun, fabulous museum!
Thanks…the Stax Museum of American Soul Music is super cool. Loved all the exhibits and the dance floor.
I have never visited Memphis. But when I think of this city music sure does come immediately to mind. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music sounds like a great spot to learn more about the evolution of soul music. Good to know that we can wander around at our pace and would need a few hours to enjoy the displays. How interesting to read that Otis Redding was a surprise find that became a big star!
I highly recommend Stax Museum of American Soul Music if you ever get the opportunity to visit Memphis. I thought how Otis Redding was discovered was a fun fact.
What a fun museum! I love how colourful and bright it is on the inside and out! I also love the fact about them setting up a record store – what a great way to do market research! Thanks for the great guide!
Thank you! The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a really fun and cool thing to do in Memphis. Setting up a record store was brilliant!
This museum sounds very interesting. I never knew about the origin of the Stax label. One thing I do love about music museums is the display of the artist’s fashion (and their cars) of the time.
Thank you! I learned a lot about Stax recording studio on my tour of its museum in Memphis. I love that their exhibits showcase the musician outfits and cars of the time.
I love music and I love museums. Therefore, I would enjoy this music museum. Thank you for the suggestion.
Thank you and my pleasure. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis is perfect if you love museums and music.
I hadn’t heard of this museum before, but it looks ideal for people who love music and want to learn more about this specific genre!
I hadn’t heard of the Stax Museum of American History either, but definitely recognized many songs and musicians. One of the top things to do in Memphis.
A very interesting article! Loved how you’ve covered every detail of this museum. Enjoy knowing about it through you.
Thank you so kindly! I was so impressed with the Stax Museum of American Soul Music – one of the top things to do in Memphis.
I will definitely add this to my list for when I get to Memphis. It looks like a really cool and funky museum!!
Awesome! The Stax Museum in Memphis is definitely cool and funky!
I would really love to visit Memphis, but my hubby has already been, and doesn’t care to go back. Museum of American Soul is something I’d love to check out.
I would love to return to Memphis with my husband. And I know he would love the Stax Museum of American Soul Music also.