Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Located at the original site of the Stax Records recording studio, this museum pays tribute to American soul music legends. More than 2,000 artifacts, interactive exhibits, films, and galleries tell the story of these artists and more.

Stax began as a small record store in an old movie theater, and eventually became one of the world’s most important recording studios. Its music put Memphis on the map and continues to inspire.

Interactive Exhibits

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis TN is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of American soul music. Its unique collection of more than 2,000 artifacts, interactive exhibits, films, and galleries celebrates the music, the artists, and the legacy of Stax Records.

Located on the original site of Stax Records, it’s both an international tourist destination and a community-focused museum that offers year-round free programming to local neighborhoods, the general public, and young people. Its offerings include concerts, lectures, book signings, film screenings, exhibit openings, panel discussions, celebrity appearances, and free-admission Family Days designed for children.

The museum also features a 1906 sharecropper church that was moved piece-by-piece from the Mississippi Delta to tell the story of the African-American church’s influence on soul music. Other highlights of the museum include recording equipment, personal items that belonged to Stax stars, and Isaac Hayes’ gold-trimmed, fur-lined 1972 Cadillac Eldorado.

Authentic Exhibits

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a world-class tourist destination that is also a community-focused organization. It hosts free programming throughout the year for residents of Memphis and the general public.

The 17,000-square-foot museum is a treasure trove of authentic exhibits that explore the complex history of Stax Records and soul music. Highlights include an authentic circa-1906 Mississippi Delta church to illustrate the gospel roots of soul music; a recreation of Studio A; Isaac Hayes’ gold-trimmed, fur-lined 1972 Cadillac Eldorado complete with television and refrigerator; and a Hall of Records featuring some 900 45-singles and 300 LPs.

There’s also a new exhibition: “BEAUTIFUL SOULS: JOEL BRODSKY AND THE FACES OF STAX RECORDS” — a collection of photographs by the renowned photographer Joel Brodsky. The exhibit honors some of Stax’s iconic second-era artists, including Booker T. & the M.G., Isaac Hayes, David Porter, and Margie Joseph. The museum also runs the STAX Music Academy, a music school that provides mentoring and training to aspiring musicians.

Audio Visual Exhibits

The Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis TN offers many audio-visual exhibits that tell the stories of soul music, a genre that was born in Memphis. This 17,000-square-foot museum sits on the site of the original Stax studio that was home to Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Booker T. & the MG’s, among many other superstars.

Stax Records changed the world of music forever, and this museum is the place to learn about its incredible story. You’ll hear about how a small record store inside an old movie theatre turned into one of the biggest recording studios in the world.

Its displays include stage costumes, original instruments, recordings, videos, photographs, and more. It even has a replica of Studio A, where Stax artists cut their records. Guests can also watch a video of the studio’s slanted floor, which contributed to the signature sound that made Stax records so legendary. Other attractions include the Super Fly exhibit, which features Isaac Hayes’ custom 1972 Cadillac Eldorado with a refrigerated mini-bar, TV, and 24-karat gold trim.

Special Events

Located in Memphis TN, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a great way to learn about the history of American soul music. This music museum is located on the original site of Stax Records and features a variety of exhibits that highlight the contributions of soul musicians.

There are over 2,000 exhibits, which include films, interactive exhibits, artifacts, items of memorabilia, and more. Some highlights of the museum are the Hall of Records, a 100-year-old church, the recreation of Studio A, and several award-winning photography exhibits.

Aside from educating visitors about the history of American soul music, Stax Museum also hosts special events. These events include lectures, film screenings, genre celebrations, and wine tastings.

 

 

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