Blues Hall of Fame Museum Memphis Tennessee

If you’re a blues fan or love all music and history, make sure you add the Blues Hall of Fame Museum to your Memphis itinerary. The Blues Foundation’s Hall of Fame dates back to 1980 while the brick and mortar Blues Hall of Fame Museum opened in 2015.

The Blues Hall of Fame Museum is one of several of the best music museums I visited in Memphis. You may also be interested in:

While I received complimentary tickets to the listed museums (thanks to the museums listed and/or Memphis Travel, opinions are always my own.

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Top things to do in Memphis, Tennessee: Blues Hall of Fame Museum

Blues Hall of Fame Museum Memphis Tennessee

I passed the Blues Hall of Fame Museum every day as it was just a few blocks away from my stay at the historic Central Station Hotel. And so happy I decided to check it out when I extended my visit. I recommend the Blues Hall of Fame Museum as one of the top things to do in Memphis, Tennessee.

It’s a very intimate and interactive setting and I received my own personal tour from one of the friendly volunteers. You will love this hidden gem in Memphis whether you are a blues enthusiast or a modest fan.

Tour of the Blues Hall of Fame Museum

Blues Hall of Fame Museum Memphis Tennessee

While the Blues Hall of Fame Museum is one of the smaller music museums in Memphis, you’ll appreciate all the blues history. I’m definitely returning with my husband as he is a huge blues fan.

You’ll first be greeted outside by the sculpture above – inspired by Little Milton’s album, Think of Me.

Blues Hall of Fame Museum Memphis Tennessee

When I entered the Blues Hall of Fame, I immediately felt welcomed with the good energy vibe. The first floor is very spacious. To the right is the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise Gallery. They feature a different traveling exhibit every four months. And to the left is where you can purchase your tickets and souvenirs.

Blues Hall of Fame Museum galleries

Blues Hall of Fame Museum Memphis Tennessee

While you can take a self-guided tour at the Blues Hall of Fame, I was happy that one of the friendly volunteers offered to show me around.

The Blues Hall of Fame Museum is actually down in the lower level. Here you’ll find 10 different galleries with interactive touchscreen displays where you can listen to music samples, watch videos, and read stories about the 400 Blues Hall of Fame inductees. They fall in five different categories: performer, individual, album, single, and literature.

The 2022 Blues Hall of Fame inductees include:

  • Lucille Bogan
  • Little Willie John
  • Johnnie Taylor
  • Otis Blackwell
  • Mary Katherine Aldin

Blues Hall of Fame Museum Memphis Tennessee

You can also learn about all the Blues Hall of Fame inductees from over the years in their online database in addition to the interactive displays at the museum itself. Blues legends like:

  • B.B. King
  • Ray Charles
  • Chuck Berry
  • Muddy Waters
  • Billie Holiday
  • John Lee Hooker
  • Johnny Winter
  • Stevie Ray Vaughan
  • Howlin’ Wolf
  • Son House
  • Otis Spann
  • Memphis Minnie
  • Etta James
  • Bo Diddley
  • Ma Rainey
  • Bonnie Raitt
  • Robert Johnson
  • And hundreds of others

Speaking of Robert Johnson, my volunteer tour guide shared a 1930s myth about how this legend became so good at playing the blues. Rumor had it that he sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads of highways 49 and 61 in Mississippi. Of course, that’s not true.

On a related note, my husband recently read and loved a book about Johnson’s life, Up Jumped the Devil: The Real Life of Robert Johnson by Bruce Conforth and Gayle Dean Wardlow. Johnson, unfortunately, died early in his career (after only one hit record). It’s believed he was poisoned at a juke joint. He received much of his success posthumously especially after the release of a boxed set of his music in 1991.

Interactive experience at Blues Hall of Fame Museum

Blues Hall of Fame Museum Memphis Tennessee

The Blues Hall of Fame Museum also offers listening rooms along with a giant touchscreen connected to three master databases of blues music.

Blues Hall of Fame Museum Memphis Tennessee

I especially loved the hallway – a literal hall of fame of all the blues legends.

Blues Hall of Fame Museum Memphis Tennessee

You’ll find this lovely reading space near the end of your tour at the Blues Hall of Fame Museum in Memphis.

Frequently asked questions about the Blues Hall of Fame Museum in Memphis, Tennessee

Here are a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Blues Hall of Fame Museum in Memphis.

Where is the Blues Hall of Fame Museum located?

Blues Hall of Fame Museum Memphis Tennessee

The Blues Foundation’s Blues Hall of Fame Museum in Memphis, Tenn. is located at 421 South Main. It is only one block from the main National Civil Rights Museum building. So it’s a convenient location to other top things to do in Memphis.

Is there parking at the Blues Hall of Fame Museum?

You can find lots of street parking and parking lots near the Blues Hall of Fame Museum. Additionally, the Memphis Main Street Trolley makes a stop nearby.

Where can I purchase tickets for the Blues Hall of Fame Museum?

You can purchase tickets onsite at the Blues Hall of Fame Museum. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for students ages 13 through 18 – or with a college ID. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult.

What are the hours for the Blues Hall of Fame Museum?

The Blues Hall of Fame Museum is open every Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

How long does it take to tour the Blues Hall of Fame Museum in Memphis, Tenn.?

Blues Hall of Fame Museum Memphis Tennessee

I would recommend spending at least an hour or two or even more depending on how immersive you want your experience to be at the Blues Hall of Fame Museum. With the interactive database, you can access hours of songs, biographies, photos, videos, etc.

Can you take photos in the Blues Hall of Fame Museum?

Blues Hall of Fame Museum Memphis Tennessee

Yes, you can take photos (without a flash) at the Blues Hall of Fame Museum in Memphis.

Does the Blues Hall of Fame Museum have a restaurant? Are there restaurants nearby?

The historic Arcade restaurant in Memphis Tennessee

No, the Blues Hall of Fame Museum does not have a restaurant. However, the historic South Main Street offers so many great restaurants. And you’re within walking distance of the iconic Beale Street. See my Top things to do in Memphis post for restaurant recommendations.

Does the Blues Hall of Fame Museum have restrooms?

Yes, the Blues Hall of Fame Museum has restrooms.

Does the Blues Hall of Fame Museum have a gift shop?

Blues Hall of Fame Museum Memphis Tennessee gift shop

Yes, the Blues Hall of Fame Museum has a gift shop as well as an online store. You’ll find the physical gift shop on the main floor when you first enter the museum (next to where you purchase your tickets).

What are the social-distancing guidelines at Blues Hall of Fame Museum?

I visited the Blues Hall of Fame Museum the summer of 2021 when face masks were required. For the latest information about mask requirements or other social-distancing guidelines, please contact the Blues Hall of Fame Museum directly.

Add the Blues Hall of Fame Museum to your top things to do in Memphis itinerary

Blues Hall of Fame Museum Memphis Tennessee

I highly recommend a visit to tour the Blues Hall of Fame Museum in Memphis, Tenn. It’s one of the top things to do in Memphis – a fun and cool city named to Fodor’s 2022 Go List. Additionally, TIME named Memphis as one of the world’s greatest places. And I have to agree (despite hearing otherwise from several people before I visited – I loved Memphis!).  

Blues Hall of Fame Museum Memphis Tennessee

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Top things to do in Memphis Blues Hall of Fame Museum

Top things to do in Memphis Blues Hall of Fame Museum

Author

Twin Cities-based blogger sharing memorable emptynester, solo, family and girlfriend-getaway adventures, as well as my day hiking adventures (including all 66 Minnesota state parks), latest book reviews, and updates on my quest for the best adult mac and cheese. Also two WIPs: historical fiction and psychological thriller

32 comments

    1. The Blues Hall of Fame is super cool because it features a lot of interactive displays. One of the best things to do in Memphis.

  1. I’ve never been to Memphis, so adding this to my ever-growing list of things to do when I make a trip out there! We have a couple of friends who are originally from Memphis, and it’d be fun to visit with them sometime too. Thanks for all the info! Xx Sara

    1. You’re welcome and my pleasure! So many cool things to experience in Memphis. It would be cool to explore with a local as a guide.

  2. Wow! You have explored some really great Museums in Memphis. Even though I don’t know alot about blues music, I think I would enjoy exploring the the Blues Museum in Memphis

    1. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to visit so many cool music museums in Memphis. I learned a lot especially at the Blues Hall of Fame.

  3. We would definitely plan to visit the Blues Hall of Fame if we visit Memphis. I can’t imagine passing by this iconic stop. I love the idea of using the interactive systems and exploring at my own pace – complete with music samples.

    1. I think you would love the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis. The interactive listening stations were so cool…and learned a lot.

  4. I love Memphis! I haven’t gotten to do all the things I’d like to there, so I hope to get back soon. The Blues Hall of Fame sounds like my kind of place. I need to check this out next time I’m in town!

  5. I’ve never been to Memphis, but I will definitely visit her if I visit. I love music and museums, so this looks fun. I would love the interactive listening stations!

  6. I love the blues and was blessed to see B B King both in Winnipeg and Las Vegas. When you watched him perform with Lucille it was like they were one entity. You could shut your eyes and they would take you on a journey. My Grandfather gifted me a CD box set of the late Robert Johnson which I treasure. I look forward to taking a tour next time I am in Memphis.

    1. That is so cool you saw BB King live. And you are a true blues fan if you know Robert Johnson. You will love the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis.

  7. Oooh you found another good’un! I love the sound of the interactive experience and visiting the Blues Hall of Fame Museum listening rooms!

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