Withers Collection Museum & Gallery — Attraction in Memphis

absolutely striking and breathtaking photography and museum. documents the civil rights movement from a prominent black photographer at the time and is insanely moving. can’t even put it into words; just go. and it’s worth any donation you have.

(moving from social importance to business) BUT i planned on giving $10-$20 per person as a donation when i arrived , but the lady at the front was remarkably forceful about taking my money (and honestly looking back i would have given more). but the lady at the entrance insisted i give a certain amount of money before entering …… which is illegal for a nonprofit to do. i used to run a nonprofit and if people didn’t want to pay, then so be it despite how important or recreational i thought our facility was - if they choose to take advantage then that’s on them. she would not let us enter unless we paid a certain amount. i understood the importance of the place and reveled in its history but nonetheless left with a sense of forced goodwill. i don’t like that - i planned to contribute more than what she asked regardless. but i asked about donation and she said i couldn’t enter unless i donated x amount. ?? i was going to give more than that but why treat visitors / patrons who are genuinely trying to learn and grow with such brashness and distain ?

you should go but you should also check someone who forces you to give more money than you are able or willing ….. when you already planned on giving more. just rude. loved the museum tho but their focus on extorting poor people who want to learn and grow has GOT...

Great little museum on Beale Street. It is surrounded by bars and I have walked past it half a dozen times not realizing it was there. I would recommend checking it out if you are into history (especially civil rights history). When I walked in I was greeted by Withers grandson Ernest who was a very nice young man (and well dressed!). I will not ruin the trip for you but just know Withers was in the right places at the right time and he had his camera. If you go you will see some very iconic photo's taken during the civil rights movement a long with photos from a lot of the big name celebrates of the era. Cost is what you are...

One of our first stops on our trip to Memphis, and we were so impressed! They have a gorgeous, expansive collection of iconic historical photography covering the civil rights movement, memphis music scene, and general history of the community. Every single staff member was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and invested in sharing this art and history with the museum's visitors. Several of them chatted with us about interesting historical facts and how the collection has influenced them personally. 100% recommended to check out if you...