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A couple singing at Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee
MEMPHIS TOURISM/CREATION STUDIOS
Best Music Museums
Worth a Visit
From jazz to rock, country to soul, explore the top 15 music museums and experiences across the U.S. that bring the sounds of history to life.
If you love music and are looking for a new bucket-list adventure, we’ve got you covered. We created a list of the best music museums in the U.S. covering everything from Elvis to country and all that’s in between. You don’t have to be a music pro to appreciate these stops. Families, couples, solo travelers and music fans of all ages can enjoy interactive exhibits, historical memorabilia and one-of-a-kind musical experiences.
Whether you’re a “Dancing Queen” or have the “Eye of the Tiger” pack your suitcase and plan a road trip to visit these historic and insightful music spots.
Cedar Creek Trail leads visitors under Natural Bridge.
ADOBE STOCK
American Jazz Museum
City: Kansas City, MissouriTime needed: One to two hours
“It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.” You might find yourself humming that tune at this museum celebrating the days when swing was king. Glowing neon lights from 1940s-style juke joints greet you in this shrine to a music style that jazz lovers will adore.
Music memorabilia fills the American Jazz Museum. You can see Benny Goodman's shoes, Myra Taylor's dress and Harold Ashby's saxophone. Kids will enjoy jazz storytelling sessions while jazzophiles tap their toes to selections from the music library. Stay late for live jazz performances in The Blue Room, a re-creation of a 1930s nightclub.
Elvis jumpsuit collection at Elvis Presley’s Graceland
memphis Tourism/Creation Studios
Elvis Presley’s Graceland
City: Memphis, TennesseeTime needed: Two to three hours
Graceland is on the bucket list of every Elvis devotee and the 600,000 fans who visit annually can’t be wrong. The king of rock ‘n’ roll’s former home doesn’t disappoint. It’s heavy on 1970s décor like shag carpets, chandeliers, mirrored walls, stained-glass peacocks and brass accents.
Don’t miss the Jungle Room, with its carved wood chairs, monkey statues, waterfall and tropical plants. Other buildings house countless gold and platinum records, glitzy jumpsuits and memorabilia, making this southern road trip a must for any music lover. Fans of the TV show Full House will notice a familiar voice narrating the audio tour—John Stamos. Have mercy!
Museum of Pop Culture
Visit Seattle
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
City: Seattle, WashingtonTime Needed: Two to four hours
There are many things to do at MoPOP, not just see. Besides viewing significant pop culture artifacts, you can play vintage video games and explore Seattle’s finest horror collection. MoPOP is one of the best museums in Seattle thanks in part to its specialty exhibits.
Jimi Hendrix devotees will be in seventh heaven. The Seattle-born artist has his own gallery jam-packed with memorabilia. You can also record a song, jam with other wannabe rock stars in a soundproof room and take a computer-led guitar lesson at this unique attraction.
Motown Museum
VISIT DETROIT
City: Detroit, MichiganTime needed: One to two hours
Step inside this shrine to the Motown Sound and the early days of artists like The Supremes and The Jackson 5.
Peek into the second-floor flat where founder Berry Gordy lived, above the first-floor recording studio of Hitsville USA. This is where songs like “Baby Love” and “Dancing in the Street” were recorded in the early 1960s. You’ll see original recording equipment and instruments like Stevie Wonder’s piano.
At the Motown Museum, you can ogle memorabilia and elaborate costumes like Michael Jackson’s glove and sparkly girl-group gowns. You can even sing an a cappella rendition of “My Girl” in the studio.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
CLEVELAND TOURISM/ERIK DROST
City: Cleveland, OhioTime needed: Two to four hours
Cleveland rocks, partly because it’s home to this attraction’s comprehensive collection. You’ll find an immense range of artifacts representing many genres, including alternative, soul, hip-hop, rhythm and blues, gospel and punk. This makes it more than just a rock music museum.
The huge collection of memorabilia includes 70 Beatles pieces such as John Lennon’s black coat from “Help!” Jimi Hendrix’s handwritten lyrics to “Purple Haze” Johnny Cash’s acoustic guitar and Joey Ramone’s leather jacket are also on display. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame also pays tribute to popular artists like Rihanna and Bruno Mars.
Sun Studio
MEMPHIS TOURISM/BRAND USA
City: Memphis, TennesseeTime needed: One hour
Housed in a nondescript brick building, Sun Studio may not look impressive, but it figures prominently in rock history.
In 1953 a young Elvis Presley cut his first single at this little recording studio. Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins also recorded here in the 1950s. Great blues and country artists laid down tracks here early in their careers, including B.B. King, Charlie Rich and Conway Twitty.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
getty images
City: Nashville, TennesseeTime needed: Two to three hours
You won’t be headed for a heartache when you visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. Grab your cowboy boots and step into the “Smithsonian of country music” where you can explore the roots of past and present country music.
With interactive exhibits, legendary artifacts and audio recordings, there’s plenty for country fans of every age to enjoy. No trip to Nashville would be complete without a Swiftie stop. This museum houses The Taylor Swift Education Center, creating a fun learning environment for all.
Grammy Museum
GETTY IMAGES
City: Los Angeles, CaliforniaTime needed: One to two hours
If you love music award season, the Grammy Museum is a must-see. From hip-hop to Latin music, you can immerse yourself in your favorite Grammy performances from artists like Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and Imagine Dragons.
If that’s not enough, perhaps the chance to see Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” outfit will entice you. At this museum, you can view displays of artist costumes and movie memorabilia, bringing you one step closer to your favorite Grammy winners.
Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Swampyank/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA
City: Bristol, VirginiaTime needed: One to two hours
Housed in the historic Bristol Paramount Theater, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is the perfect destination for any fan of country music or music history. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the studio at Radio Bristol and view artifacts, including instruments used by legendary country musicians.
While you’re there, visit State Street, where the state lines of Tennessee and Virginia meet. Walk in the footsteps of country music legends as you explore the museum and surrounding areas.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Victor Chapa/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA
City: Memphis, TennesseeTime needed: One to two hours
The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is a staple for any music lover’s tour. This museum is on the original site of Stax Records, which signed some of the most notable soul greats—Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Isaac Hayes to name just a few.
If you never had the chance to dance on Soul Train, now you do. Dance on the Express Yourself dance floor while watching vintage episodes of the cultural phenomenon.
The Museum at Bethel Woods
Seanbarnett/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA
City: Bethel, New YorkTime needed: One to two hours
Far out and groovy! A true step into the past, The Museum at Bethel Woods transports you back to one of the most iconic music festivals in history.
Walk through the main exhibit where you can see 20 Woodstock films, over 160 artifacts and five interactive productions. It’s time to break out your bell-bottoms and flower power to experience the music that brought over 400,000 people together in August 1969.
National Music Museum
City: Vermillion, South DakotaTime needed: Two to three hours
The National Music Museum is one of the most impressive attractions for music lovers. It boasts one of the largest and most diverse collections, housing thousands of popular and obscure musical instruments.
For those wanting a more immersive experience, the museum features concerts and performances throughout the year to bring you a first-class musical journey.
Woody Guthrie Center
Peter Greenberg/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA
City: Tulsa, OklahomaTime needed: One to two hours
You can’t think about American folk music without thinking of Woody Guthrie. Known for his powerful songs about social and political issues, Guthrie became a natural influence for musical powerhouses like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Cash.
At the Woody Guthrie Center, you can explore instruments Guthrie used, samples of his original artwork, notebooks and handwritten lyrics. Ignite your passion by taking in folk music events and listening to samples of his music.
New Orleans Jazz Museum
DNMaurer/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA
City: New Orleans, LouisianaTime needed: One to two hours
If you plan on visiting New Orleans, make your way to the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Here, you can explore the history and legacy of jazz in the Big Easy with interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Walk through the history of jazz, from its golden age to modern times. Take a class at the Jazz Academy, read through the archives or catch a live show.
Blue Ridge Center for Music & Creative Arts
City: Galax, VirginiaTime needed: One hour to tour the museum
Discover the heart of American music at the Blue Ridge Music Center, a 2024 USA Today 10Best award winner. Located at milepost 213 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this destination celebrates the region’s rich musical heritage.
Explore the interactive Roots of American Music Museum, which tells how the banjo and fiddle blended on the Appalachian frontier, shaping folk and Americana music. You can also enjoy live performances in various settings, from the outdoor amphitheater to the intimate indoor theater. Regional musicians play daily during Midday Mountain Music sessions, offering a perfect way to experience living traditions.
Rock, roll & explore! Plan your music and museum adventure at AAA.com/Travel and enjoy member-only perks and discounts on hotels, rental cars, dining experiences and more.
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