Graceland, on Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis’s Whitehaven neighborhood, was Elvis Presley’s home and is now a museum and music-history attraction. The mansion tour takes you through rooms including the Jungle Room, with its tropical decor, and the trophy room, while the Meditation Garden is the family’s burial place. Across the estate, exhibits trace Presley’s life and career through gold records, stage clothes, cars and aircraft. Allow three to four hours to see the mansion and grounds at a measured pace; the wider exhibits can extend your visit.
From Presley’s home to a museum
Elvis Presley bought Graceland in 1957, when he was 22, and lived there until his death in 1977. The house became a museum in 1982; it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006. Its rooms preserve the family home’s personal character, including the striking decor Presley helped choose.
The estate sits in Whitehaven, south of central Memphis. Its story belongs to the city’s musical history as well as to Presley’s life: the exhibits follow his path from his early years through his rise as a performer. The house itself is one part of a larger visit, with collections and displays elsewhere on the grounds.
Rooms, gardens and family history
The mansion tour follows the rooms visitors are allowed to enter, including the living room, kitchen, trophy room and Jungle Room. That last space is known for its tropical styling, patterned furnishings and green shag carpet across both the floor and ceiling. Presley also recorded music there with his band. The upstairs private quarters are not open to visitors.
The Meditation Garden provides a quieter place to pause. Elvis and members of the Presley family are buried there, making it a significant part of the estate’s family history. The gravesite is included in the mansion visit. The gardens offer a change of pace from the indoor rooms and collections.
Collections and special events
Other exhibits focus on Presley’s music and career. Displays include gold records, stage outfits and personal memorabilia, alongside vehicles such as the pink Cadillac and motorcycles. Aircraft associated with Presley are also on view. Depending on the tour selected, visitors can explore the cars, planes and other career exhibits beyond the mansion.
Tours use audio commentary, with headset or interactive tablet options described for the house. This lets you move through the rooms at your own pace, although it is useful to listen closely because on-site explanations and maps may be limited. The amount to see depends on how deeply you want to follow Presley’s story: a mansion visit can be relatively brief, while the additional exhibits take longer.
Graceland holds events during the year, including Elvis Week in August and events around Presley’s January 8 birthday. These can include concerts, film screenings and an Elvis Expo. Holiday programming has also included seasonal decorations at the mansion and grounds. Check the current event and ticket details before planning around a special program.
FAQ
How long should you spend at Graceland?
Allow three to four hours for a comprehensive visit to the mansion and grounds. The wider exhibits can take longer, depending on your interest.
Can you visit the upstairs rooms of the mansion?
No. The upstairs private quarters are not open to visitors.
What can you see at Graceland besides the mansion?
The estate has exhibits on Presley’s music and career, with gold records, costumes, cars, motorcycles and aircraft. The Meditation Garden and family gravesites are also part of the visit.
When does Graceland hold special events?
Events include Elvis Week in August and programs around Elvis Presley’s birthday on January 8. Concerts, film screenings and an Elvis Expo have been part of the events calendar.
