About The Museum
When you visit the Cotton Museum, you’re treading on the legendary Trading Floor of the Memphis Cotton Exchange where cotton traders once stood at the center of the global cotton economy. Once, only the elite members of the Cotton Exchange were allowed to enter. Today, this historic space is open to the public and is devoted to sharing the story of cotton.
The museum was founded in 2006 to preserve the history of this worldwide market place and to tell the epic story of the famed cash crop and its profound influence on the city of Memphis. Our mission is to share the story of the cotton and the influences of the people that were gathered here around the industry not only with a growing international audience, but with Memphis area residents- especially our city’s youth.
Your Membership Is Important!
Your support has made us a “one of a kind museum” which is “worth a detour!” Memberships provide you with a full year to tread the floor of the legendary Memphis Cotton Exchange, restored in 2004 and devoted to sharing the story of cotton – the crop that defined the culture of the South and changed the nation’s history! It also enables us to provide educational programming and discounts for school groups.
Memberships are available from $75-$500 and include free admission for a year, guest passes, gift shop discounts, and more!