The National Civil Rights Museum is the site of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. The Museum is located at South Main and Huling Streets, in the historic art district of downtown Memphis.

Dedicated on September 28, 1991, the Museum exists to assist the public in understanding the lessons of the Civil Rights Movement and its impact and influence on human rights movements worldwide, through its collections, exhibitions, research and educational programs. It chronicles the civil rights movement from 1619 to 2000 with historical exhibits, including Room 306, the hotel room where Dr. King stayed in April of 1968.

Accomplishments:

• Hosted over 3 million visitors since opening in 1991


• Accredited by the American Association of Museums, only 5% of museums earn that distinction


• One of only five U.S. accredited international sites of conscience


• One of the top premier heritage and cultural museums in the U.S.


• 2009 Academy Award nominated documentary, “The Witness: From the Balcony of Room 306”


• 2009 documentary “Stand”by Tavis Smiley


• CNN special “Eyewitness to Murder: The King Assassination”


• History Channel feature


• Top 10 attractions, an American treasure by USA Today


• Must see by the age of 15 by Budget Travel and Kids


• Category on the game show Jeopardy


• Maintains robust attendance