Things to Do in Memphis
When It Rains

This notable Memphis landmark was the home of the world-famous King of Rock' n' Roll, Elvis Presley. Nowadays, this mansion is a museum that details the life and legacy of the legendary musician. Here, you can go on a tour of his former residence, which includes the Jungle Room, the living room, and the Trophy Building. Among the countless artifacts on display inside this museum are a collection of Elvis' costumes and several of his cars. Elvis Presley's Graceland is a perfect place to explore on a rainy day if you're a fan of his music.

Specialization
Music & History

Perfect for
Elvis Presley fans

Another notable place dedicated to the local music scene is the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Based within Memphis' city center, this museum hosts several exhibitions that trace the evolution of music in Memphis throughout its history. Permanent exhibitions at the museum include Rural Culture, Rural Music, Coming to Memphis, Sun Records & Youth Culture, and several others. The Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum is a wonderful place to start your exploration of the city and its most notable attractions.

Specialization
Music & History

Perfect for
Music fans

Visiting the National Civil Rights Museum is one of the best things to do in Memphis: it's a perfect opportunity to learn more about the pivotal period in the history of the United States. This museum also provides information on the history of slavery in America since its earliest days. The museum's exhibits, like A Culture of Resistance, Standing Up by Sitting Down, The Year They Walked, and several others, are definitely worth visiting. The National Civil Rights Museum resides in the Lorraine Motel, the building where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968.

Specialization
History

Perfect for
History buffs

If you want to spend a quiet afternoon or evening enjoying beautiful art, then the Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic art is the place to go. For people interested in Chinese art, visiting this museum is essential, as it has the largest collection of Chinese art in the southern US. Most items from this collection were made during the reign of the Qing dynasty, which lasted from 1644 to 1911, although there are many artifacts predating this period. Another highlight of this museum is its collection of Judaica artworks (items related to Judaism), with many works from modern artists from Israel like Ofra Friedland and Daniel Kafri.

Specialization
Arts & Culture

Perfect for
Art enthusiasts

This visitor attraction is another museum dedicated to the rich musical history of Memphis. However, this particular museum revolves around Stax Records, one of the most prominent music labels in the United States during the 1960s and the first half of the 1970s. This record label contributed significantly to the development of Memphis soul and Southern soul music. Notable artists that worked with Stax Records include Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas, Albert King, and many others. Here, you can explore the hall of noteworthy Stax records, blow off some steam on the dance floor, or take a look at a control room.

Specialization
Music & History

Perfect for
Music fans

Exploring the Metal Museum is one of the best things to do in Memphis when it rains; it's one of the unique museums in the city. Founded by James Wallace, a renowned artist-metalsmith, this museum lets you admire the beautiful metal artworks, watch master metalsmiths in action, and even learn the basics of metalwork from a visiting or local metalsmith. The Metals Studio is where you can observe the artists at work in The Blacksmith Shop or The Foundry. The Metal Museum offers classes on blacksmithing, casting, welding, and fine metals/jewelry, among other things.

Specialization
Metalwork & Education

Perfect for
Families with children

This art gallery and the gardens around it are a must-see attraction in Memphis. The Dixon Gallery hosts an impressive collection of European and American art of the 19th and 20th centuries, mainly artworks belonging to French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Other highlights of this collection include 18th-century German porcelain and English Ceramics. Additionally, the Dixon Gallery regularly hosts temporary exhibitions like Jeanne Seagle: Of This Place, Who Is That Artist?, and Borders: Steinunn Thórarinsdóttir.

Specialization
Art

Perfect for
Art lovers

If you're unsure where to go on a rainy day in Memphis, we recommend visiting the Museum of Science & History. This impressive museum complex features a planetarium, Lichterman Nature Center, Giant Screen Theater, Pink Palace Mansion, and two historic houses. Cultural History of Mid-South and Natural History of Mid-South are two permanent exhibitions at the Museum of Science & History. There are also several temporary exhibitions like Two Minutes to Midnight and the Architecture of Armageddon, Web of Innovations: AI in Memphis, and Artificial Intelligence: Your Mind & the Machine.

Specialization
Science & History

Perfect for
Science and history buffs, families with children

The Fire Museum of Memphis lets you study the history of firefighting in Memphis as well as the essential rules of fire safety. Located within Fire Engine House #1 on Adams Avenue in downtown Memphis this museum has a sizable collection of items related to firefighting, including several fire engines from different periods like the 1910 Crump Steamer, 1912 American LaFrance, and 1929 American LaFrance Pumper. Among other attractions in this museum are the Fire Safety Arcade and the Escape Maze.

Specialization
History, Fire Safety, & Entertainment

Perfect for
History buffs, families, and children

If you're looking for a fun and exciting way to pass the time with your kids during the rain, the Children's Museum of Memphis is a perfect choice. Among the attractions available at this museum are Dinosaur Dig, Engine House 18, Earthquake Table, American Airways, and Rube Goldberg: The World of Hilarious Inventions. You can also try your hand at rock climbing, bank-shot basketball, digital art, and many other things. Children from 2 to 10 are the target audience of this museum.

Specialization
Entertainment

Perfect for
Families and children

The oldest art museum in Tennessee, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is one of the best art galleries in the city. The collection is surprisingly diverse, ranging from European art of the 17th century to modern art and more. Permanent galleries at this museum include New Acquisitions, Sculpture Gallery, French 19th Century, Contemporary Art, and European Art 1650-1850, among others. Additionally, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is home to various temporary events like Art Builds Creativity, Harmonia Rosales: Master Narrative, and Tommy Kha: Eye Is Another.

Specialization
Art

Perfect for
Art enthusiasts

This massive complex is a mixed-use development, combining living spaces, exhibition venues, recreation areas, and several cafes and restaurants under one roof. Here, you can spend the entire day exploring various aspects of the Crosstown Concourse. Green Room, Memphis Listening Lab, Crosstown Theater, and 7000 square feet of exhibition space offer plenty of entertainment for any visitor. Don't worry, you won't go hungry while visiting Crosstown Concourse: Abner's, Art Bar, Farm Burger, and French Truck Coffee are just some of your options.

Specialization
Art, Recreation, Entertainment

Perfect for
Families and couples

The only car museum in Memphis, the Edge Motor Museum is a must-see attraction for anybody interested in cars. Here, you can take a closer look at American cars from different periods, from 1913 to 2021. The collection features iconic vehicles such as Ford Thunderbird, Chevrolet Camaro SS, Dodge Challenger, and newer Ford GT and Chevrolet Corvette. Currently, the Edge Motor Museum hosts a special exhibition about American sports cars, American Speed. This exhibition explores the evolution of American sports cars and the influence of various trends on cars from different periods.

Specialization
History & Cars

Perfect for
Car enthusiasts

This visitor attraction is relatively new (it opened in 2015), but it's a noteworthy addition to any visitor's list of interesting places in Memphis. There are two locations: one in East Memphis and another in downtown Memphis. The location in East Memphis features the following options: East End Express, One Night in the 90s, High Noon, H.E.R.O.E.S., Shadow Manor, Magician's Code, and Merry Movie Christmas. There are four escape rooms in the downtown location of Memphis Escape Rooms: The Jurassic Project, Shipwreck Cove, Jester's Revenge, and Lost Pyramid.

Specialization
Entertainment

Perfect for
Families, couples, friend groups, and children

This famous luxury hotel is the most iconic in Memphis for a good reason. It occupies a beautiful Italian Renaissance building in downtown Memphis and is a prominent fixture in the Memphis skyline. However, the hotel is much more famous for a different reason: Peabody Ducks. The first appearance of these ducks dates back to the 1930s when General Manager Frank Schutt and his friends brought several English call ducks from their hunting trip and left them in the hotel fountain as a joke. The guests loved this idea; the tradition stuck and eventually evolved into the Peabody Duck March.

Specialization
Entertainment & Architecture

Perfect for
Families, couples, and children