Post by Kelly on Jul 14, 2009 13:29:04 GMT -6
Elvis Presley's Graceland: mansion, museum, memorial
July 14, 9:53 AM
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Photo by the author
The cult of personality surrounding Elvis Presley may be a distinctly American phenomenon, but people from around the world still travel to Memphis to visit the King's long-time home. Part museum - part memorial, Graceland entices visitors with the promise of getting close to this legendary figure, or at least to all of his stuff.
Graceland Mansion
Be prepared for 1970s décor inside the stately mansion—green shag carpeting, mirrored walls, and color combinations out of the ordinary. That being said, the house feels like a true home and isn't as gaudy and spectacular as one might expect. It has a unique charm, like its former owner. You can imagine people living there. Unfortunately, the upstairs is off-limits to visitors, as it was Elvis's private space when he lived there.
The other buildings on the estate house personal items, awards, movie posters and other memorabilia. You can see all of his gold records and bask in the glimmer from his decorated jumpsuits. You can visit his collection of automobiles and climb aboard his personal airplane, the "Lisa Marie." Die-hard fans can even examine old checks he wrote to Memphis charities or purchase their own replica jumpsuit (for a hefty price) in one of the several gift shops.
Remembering Elvis
Be sure to take the time to watch and listen to the several videos playing throughout the tour. More than all of the material memorabilia, these interviews reveal the person behind the persona and will give you a better sense of the Elvis Presley who loved and lived at Graceland.
Elvis is buried on the grounds of his estate, alongside his parents and grandmother. The graves are nestled in the so-called Meditation Garden, which now receives a constant stream of tourists and is filled with bright fake flowers. It is a poignant and proper tribute to the man who was both a sensitive artist and an electrical public presence.
Visitor Information
Be prepared to pay over $30 for the Graceland experience, and an additional $10 for parking at the site. Students, military and AAA members do get discounts, so don't forget to ask! Most of the exhibits and the gift shops are located with the ticket counters near the parking area. A shuttle ferries visitors across busy Elvis Presley Blvd to the house itself. The best times to go are early morning or closer to closing time, on a weekday. But give yourself enough time—arrive by 2 p.m. and visit the mansion first.
July 14, 9:53 AM
Email Print
Photo by the author
The cult of personality surrounding Elvis Presley may be a distinctly American phenomenon, but people from around the world still travel to Memphis to visit the King's long-time home. Part museum - part memorial, Graceland entices visitors with the promise of getting close to this legendary figure, or at least to all of his stuff.
Graceland Mansion
Be prepared for 1970s décor inside the stately mansion—green shag carpeting, mirrored walls, and color combinations out of the ordinary. That being said, the house feels like a true home and isn't as gaudy and spectacular as one might expect. It has a unique charm, like its former owner. You can imagine people living there. Unfortunately, the upstairs is off-limits to visitors, as it was Elvis's private space when he lived there.
The other buildings on the estate house personal items, awards, movie posters and other memorabilia. You can see all of his gold records and bask in the glimmer from his decorated jumpsuits. You can visit his collection of automobiles and climb aboard his personal airplane, the "Lisa Marie." Die-hard fans can even examine old checks he wrote to Memphis charities or purchase their own replica jumpsuit (for a hefty price) in one of the several gift shops.
Remembering Elvis
Be sure to take the time to watch and listen to the several videos playing throughout the tour. More than all of the material memorabilia, these interviews reveal the person behind the persona and will give you a better sense of the Elvis Presley who loved and lived at Graceland.
Elvis is buried on the grounds of his estate, alongside his parents and grandmother. The graves are nestled in the so-called Meditation Garden, which now receives a constant stream of tourists and is filled with bright fake flowers. It is a poignant and proper tribute to the man who was both a sensitive artist and an electrical public presence.
Visitor Information
Be prepared to pay over $30 for the Graceland experience, and an additional $10 for parking at the site. Students, military and AAA members do get discounts, so don't forget to ask! Most of the exhibits and the gift shops are located with the ticket counters near the parking area. A shuttle ferries visitors across busy Elvis Presley Blvd to the house itself. The best times to go are early morning or closer to closing time, on a weekday. But give yourself enough time—arrive by 2 p.m. and visit the mansion first.
