How to Plan Your Tour at Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis

If you are passionate about soul music and want to experience its birthplace in Memphis, make sure to visit the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum offers a unique experience that includes learning about the roots of soul music in Southern gospel, seeing historic instruments and artifacts, and dancing on the Express Yourself dance floor. This blog post will guide you through how to plan your tour at Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis.

Experience

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a unique museum that opened in 2003 in the former location of Stax Records, which played a key role in the emergence of soul music in the 1960s and 1970s. The museum tells the story of Stax Records, where artists such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Booker T. & the M.G.’s recorded over 800 soul, blues, and gospel tracks. The museum brings its visitors the passion, creativity, and influence of soul music in American culture.

Highlights

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music offers several highlights that you cannot miss during your visit:

1. Learn about the roots of Soul in the sounds of Southern Gospel Music

The museum starts its tour in the singing church in a real circa-1906 Mississippi Delta church that carefully reassembles inside the building. The museum tells the story of how gospel music was a foundation for soul music, providing inspiration for its musicians, exploring its roots over time, and examining the various influences that shaped its sound.

2. Behold Isaac Hayes’ custom Cadillac Eldorado

Isaac Hayes was a legendary singer, songwriter, and composer who recorded several hits at Stax Records in the 1960s and 1970s. His signature style included a custom 1972 Cadillac Eldorado that is on display at the museum. You cannot miss the chance to see the car that brought “Black Moses” onto the stage.

3. See the instruments that made Soul Music history

The Stax Studio was where musicians such as Isaac Hayes and Otis Redding created their iconic sound, and the museum has preserved many of the period instruments used in those recordings. Among these are Steve Cropper’s Fender Telecaster guitar, used on the famous “Green Onions” track by Booker T. and the MGs.

4. Show off your dance moves on the Express Yourself dance floor

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music has an interactive dance floor inspired by the classic TV show Soul Train. This dance floor provides a unique and fun experience that will increase your connection with the soulful beats, and you can pick up inspiration from the dancers on the episodes of Soul Train playing next to the dance floor.

5. In 2023 celebrate the 20th birthday of one of America’s favorite Museums

Stax Museum of American Soul Music is one of America’s favorite museums and the hometown of the sound that shaped America’s culture. This year Stax Museum is celebrating its 20th birthday, and it’s an excellent opportunity to join the celebration, learn more, and have a blast.

Full description

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is open from Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 5 pm, and on Sunday, from 1 pm to 5 pm. The museum is located at 926 E. McLemore Avenue, which is near the original Stax Records studio.

The museum offers guided tours or self-guided tours. The guided tours are available at 11 am and 2 pm on Monday, Thursday, and Friday or by appointment. These tours are a more in-depth experience of the museum, where you can learn from a knowledgeable guide about the history, the music, and the art behind the Stax Records.

The admission to the museum is $13 for adults and $10 for seniors, students, and military members. Children under 18 are free of charge. The museum provides a cool and comfortable space perfect for families, and visitors can purchase souvenirs related to Stax Records and soul music.

To book your tour, you can check out the website for the Stax Museum of American Soul Music or the third-party website like getyourguide.com, where you can find a tour package that includes a visit to the museum and an hour-long walking tour of the surrounding area. To book your tour, click book the tour here.

Conclusion

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is an essential destination for anyone interested in the history and the culture of soul music, featuring its roots in Southern gospel, its rise within American culture, and its impact on subsequent generations of musicians. With its interactive exhibits, guided tours, and unique artifacts, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music offers a passionate, musical, and unforgettable experience for any music lover.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stax Museum Of American Soul Music

If you’re visiting Memphis, Tennessee, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a must-visit destination. Featuring exhibits showcasing the history of soul music, original recordings, and instruments, the museum offers an immersive experience that captures the essence of this iconic music genre. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

1. What is Stax Museum of American Soul Music?

Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a museum in Memphis, Tennessee, that focuses on the history of soul music. The museum includes exhibits that tell the story of the famous Stax Records, the record company that played a significant role in shaping the soul music genre. These exhibits feature original items like instruments, recordings, and memorabilia from famous artists like Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and the Staple Singers.

2. What are the opening hours of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music?

The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.

3. How much does it cost to enter the museum?

Admission to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music costs $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, $13 for college students with an ID, and $10 for children aged 9 to 12. Children under nine years of age can enter for free. Group rates are also available.

4. How long does it take to explore the Stax Museum of American Soul Music?

The museum typically takes an average of 1-2 hours to explore thoroughly. However, the length of your visit will likely vary depending on how much time you wish to spend in each exhibit and your level of interest in the material.

5. Can I buy Stax Museum of American Soul Music merchandise?

Yes, you can buy merchandise from the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The museum’s gift shop features items like t-shirts, posters, books, CDs, and vinyl records.

6. Is photography allowed inside the museum?

Yes, photography is allowed inside the museum as long as the flash is turned off, and the photos are strictly for personal use. If you would like to take professional photos, you must obtain permission from the museum in advance.

7. Is the Stax Museum of American Soul Music accessible to visitors with disabilities?

Yes, the museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. The museum features wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and elevator access to all floors.

8. What is the best time to visit Stax Museum of American Soul Music?

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is open year-round, and there is no definitive “best” time to visit. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and shorter queues, it is best to visit during the week rather than on weekends or holidays.

9. Does Stax Museum of American Soul Music offer guided tours?

Yes, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music offers guided tours. You can book a private tour for groups of up to 30 people, or you can join a group tour that runs daily from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

10. Is food and drink allowed inside the museum?

No, food and drink are not allowed inside the museum. However, there is a café located in the museum where you can purchase food and drinks.

In conclusion

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is an engaging and informative museum that tells the story of one of the most significant music genres of the 20th century. With original recordings, instruments, and memorabilia from some of the most iconic musicians in the industry, the museum offers a trip through history that is sure to delight music lovers of all ages.