While most people are familiar with Elvis that doesn’t mean everyone has visited the Elvis Presley Museum or Graceland. Today I dive into the life of Elvis, the tour and why I think everyone should check it out.
Graceland opened its doors to the public on June 7th, 1982, by Elvis Presley’s former wife Priscilla Presley. Priscilla spearheaded the effort to turn the mansion into a museum after Elvis’s death in 1977.
The primary reason Priscilla had for opening up Elvis’s home for tours in simply because she wanted to preserve the legacy of Elvis Presley. Thus providing fans with an opportunity to learn about his life, career and the impact he had and still has on popular culture.
Approximately 600,000 visitors visit Graceland and the Elvis museum every year.
Graceland is Located at:
3764 Elvis Presley Blvd
Memphis, TN 38116
and the Elvis museum is right across the road from the mansion. Over the years the Elvis museum has seen many updates, new exhibits and visitors.
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Who is Elvis Aaron Presley
Elvis Presley, often referred to as “The King of Rock and Roll,” was an American singer, musician, and actor who became one of the most iconic figures in the history of popular music. He was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, and rose to fame in the mid-1950s.
Presley’s unique blend of rockabilly, country, and rhythm and blues music, combined with his charismatic stage presence and provocative hip gyrations, made him a sensation. His breakthrough hit came with the song “Heartbreak Hotel” in 1956, followed by a string of chart-topping singles such as “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Love Me Tender.”
Elvis’s impact on popular culture went beyond music; he also starred in numerous successful films in the late 1950s and 1960s, including “Love Me Tender,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Blue Hawaii.” His energetic performances, good looks, and rebellious image captivated audiences around the world and helped to define the rock and roll era.
Presley’s influence on music and popular culture continues to be felt decades after his death in 1977. He remains one of the best-selling solo artists in the history of recorded music, with an enduring legacy that has inspired countless musicians and fans across generations.
Elvis Presley Museum Tour Guide
About Graceland
Elvis bought Graceland March 25, 1957 for the amount of $102,500.00. That was a lot of money in 1957. 13.8 acres of land and the house was 10,266 sq. ft.
Elvis’s parents and grandparents moved into Graceland May 16, 1957 but Elvis was filming Jailhouse Rock. Elvis’s first night in his home was June 26, 1957.
Graceland was built in 1939 by Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Moore.
Currently the home is 17,552 square feet, has 5 staircases, and 3 fireplaces. The music gates were installed April 22, 1957 and the pool installed in 1957 as well.
Today Graceland and the Elvis museum are open for people from all over the world to visit and pay respect to Elvis and his life.
What Can Be Seen Inside the Museum
When visiting Graceland there is more the tour than just Elvis’s home. There is a huge museum filled with all things Elvis. Here is a bit of what you will see when you visit Graceland and the Elvis museum.
- Graceland Mansion Tour: Visitors can explore the opulent mansion where Elvis Presley lived. This includes rooms such as the famous Jungle Room, the Trophy Building showcasing his numerous awards, the Meditation Garden where Elvis and members of his family are laid to rest, and the living quarters where Elvis spent much of his time.
- Elvis Presley Car Museum: This museum features a collection of cars owned by Elvis, including his iconic pink Cadillac.
- Elvis Presley Archives: A vast collection of memorabilia, including costumes, personal belongings, and artifacts from Elvis’s life and career.
- Elvis Presley’s Private Planes: Visitors can tour Elvis’s custom-designed airplanes, the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II.
- Entertainment Complex: This area includes exhibits such as Elvis’s Hawaii: Concerts, Movies, and More! and Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, which offer deeper insights into his music, movies, and impact on entertainment.
- Most recently added is a Lisa Marie exhibit in honor of her 56th Birthday.
Lisa Marie Exhibit
For Lisa Marie fans here is a glimpse of what you will see in this new exhibit.
- Outfits worn by Lisa Marie and her friend Jerry Schilling at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards, marking her final public appearance
- Exclusive first professional headshots of Lisa Marie in her early 20s, never seen before, on loan from Jerry Schilling
- Family photographs, elegantly framed, showcased in Lisa Marie’s home
- Lisa Marie’s personal tambourines, used on-stage throughout her illustrious music career
- Handwritten lyrics for the song “Weary” from her acclaimed 2012 album “Storm & Grace”
- Gold Record awarded for her 2003 album “To Whom It May Concern”
- Lisa Marie’s own wallet from the late 1980s, offering a glimpse into her personal life
Don’t forget to visit the Lisa Marie Airplane that is at the museum as well.
Why Visit the Elvis Museum
Aside from the simple fact that Graceland and the Elvis Museum is the 2nd most visited house in America, you should visit because it’s amazing! If that’s not enough for you, here are more reasons why you should visit.
- Cultural and Historical Significance: Elvis Presley is an enduring icon of 20th-century popular culture, and Graceland offers a comprehensive look at his life and legacy.
- Unique Experience: Visiting Graceland provides fans with a chance to step into the world of Elvis Presley, walking through his home and seeing personal items that offer intimate insights into his life.
- Educational Value: The museum provides a wealth of information about Elvis’s impact on music, film, fashion, and society, making it an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.
- Pilgrimage for Fans: For many Elvis fans, visiting Graceland is a pilgrimage, allowing them to pay homage to their idol and connect with fellow enthusiasts from around the world.
Overall, Graceland stands as a testament to the enduring popularity and cultural significance of Elvis Presley, making it a must-visit destination for fans and anyone interested in the history of popular music.
A Love for Elvis
Growing up my parents weren’t huge into Elvis Presley music. While I heard Elvis here and there, being a child of the 70’s I was a bit young to know all about Elvis. However, in my teen years the boy I dated had a huge obsession of Elvis. That is because his Mom was a huge Elvis fan. Still, it wasn’t until years later I found a great love of Elvis myself.
I’ve loved music all my life, but I found a new passion for music when I was in my 30’s. That is when I was in my first band as a drummer. From there I’ve grown in my love of music and find great appreciation for those in the music scene. Along with my love of music is my love of travel and that is how I ended up visiting Graceland for the first time. So far I’ve visited 3 times and am pretty sure I will do more before my travel years are over. There is just something that tugs at my inner soul when I’m at Graceland. I get the same feeling when I’m at Loretta Lynn’s.
Final Thoughts on the Elvis Presley Museum Tour Guide
Join the over 600,000 people that visit Graceland and the Elvis Presley Museum every year. Keep the Elvis momentum going for years to come by bringing the younger generation with you. An icon and a legend that deserves to be remembered for years to come.
Have you been to Graceland or the Elvis Presley Museum? Drop me a comment and let me know your favorite part.
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Elvis Week
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