Graceland is Elvis Presley's residence in Memphis, in southwestern Tennessee. Purchased by the singer in 1957 for $100,000, the property now attracts over 600,000 visitors annually, making it the second most-visited privately owned property in the États-Unis after the White House. Open to the public since 1982, it is managed by Elvis Presley Enterprises and remains a key landmark for understanding 20th-century American musical culture.

Why visit Graceland

Graceland appeals equally to passionate Elvis Presley fans and visitors curious about rock 'n' roll history. The house has retained its original décor and displays the singer's collection of cars, planes, stage costumes and records. It is also the first artist's home to be designated as a National Historic Landmark in the États-Unis, underscoring its role in the nation's cultural heritage.

A visit here complements exploring Memphis, a key city for blues, soul and rock, and fits naturally into a musical itinerary across the American South.

The property's history

Before Graceland, the Presley family lived in a residential neighborhood of Memphis. The success of the record Heartbreak Hotel launched Elvis's career and drew numerous fans to the family home. To regain some peace and quiet, the singer asked his parents, Vernon and Gladys Presley, to find a more secluded property. Their choice fell on Graceland, purchased in 1957.

The name "Graceland" was retained by Gladys Presley: it refers to Grace Smith, aunt of the previous owner from the Moore family, who operated the original farm. Elvis lived there with his parents, received friends there (including Buzz Cason) and died there in 1977 of a heart attack.

His daughter Lisa Marie Presley, who inherited the property, opened the estate to the public in 1982 as a museum. She passed away in 2023 and left the operation to Elvis Presley Enterprises. According to Rolling Stone magazine, the estate's current value is estimated at $500 million.

What to see on the estate

Inside the house

The guided tour, included with your ticket, covers the iconic rooms on the ground floor and basement. The upstairs, where Elvis's bedroom was located, remains closed to the public out of respect for his privacy.

• The main living room and dining room: period décor, grand piano, crystal chandeliers.
• The kitchen: preserved in its 1970s state.
• The Jungle Room: the most famous room in the house, featuring green carpeting on the ceiling, carved wooden furniture and a wall fountain. It also served as a recording studio where several hit songs were produced.
• The billiards room: draped in pleated blue and gold fabric.

The collections

• The costume gallery: sequined jumpsuits and cape from the Aloha from Hawaii concert broadcast in 1973.
• Gold records and trophies: hundreds of awards spanning the singer's career.
• The cars: pink Cadillac, Rolls-Royce Phantom and several other vehicles from Elvis's personal collection.
• The planes: the private jet Lisa Marie, furnished with a lounge and bedroom, and the Hound Dog II.

The gardens and Meditation Garden

The swimming pool, patio and grounds surround the house. The Meditation Garden is home to the graves of Elvis, his parents Vernon and Gladys Presley, and his grandson Benjamin Keough. It is a place of reflection frequently visited by fans.

Elvis Presley's Memphis complex

Located across from the house, this complex features interactive exhibits, studio recreations, Southern-style restaurants and several official gift shops.

Practical information

Several ticket options are available, from the standard tour to premium passes that include the planes and additional exhibits. Prices vary by age and what's included; young children enter free. Parking is paid and a flat fee applies.

The estate is open almost year-round, with hours varying by season and occasional closures. It is recommended to check the official website to confirm hours and book in advance, especially during the busy summer season and during Elvis Week in August.

Plan for approximately half a day to explore the house, gardens and exhibition complex. To minimize wait times, prefer afternoon time slots, which are typically less crowded than mornings.

How to get to Graceland

Graceland is located on Elvis Presley Boulevard, south of downtown Memphis, about 15 minutes by car. A car is the most convenient option: parking is available on-site. From downtown, several tour bus services serve the site, and rideshare services like Uber or Lyft operate without difficulty in Memphis.

Once at the reception complex, access to the house is only by dedicated shuttle, included with your admission ticket.

What to see nearby

Memphis and the neighboring state of Tennessee are home to several essential sites for understanding the history of American music:

• The Delta Blues Museum, in Clarksdale, traces the origins of Mississippi blues.
• In Nashville, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum documents country music history.
• Also in Nashville, Broadway is home to iconic honky-tonks and concert venues.
• The city of Memphis itself deserves several days of exploration, with Beale Street, Sun Studio and the National Civil Rights Museum.

Frequently asked questions

Include Graceland in your trip

Graceland combines easily with discovering Memphis and a musical itinerary across the American South. To plan a custom trip including this stop, check our États-Unis travel suggestions.