MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis is closing for a year for renovations, but its biggest attraction is about to be accessible to the public for the first time.
The museum was built around the old Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was staying when he was assassinated in 1968. Until now, visitors have been able to see the balcony where King was shot but not stand on it.
The Commercial Appeal reports the museum's main building will close after Monday. Officials hope to open the balcony to the public on Nov. 19, and they are installing a lift for disabled visitors.
A museum annex that includes the boardinghouse from which James Earl Ray shot at King also will be open during the renovation.
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