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When Elvis Presley bought Graceland on March 19, 1957, he likely never imagined that his home would become a cherished American landmark long after his passing.
Situated at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis, Tennessee, Graceland was Elvis’s residence for two decades. The estate is also the final resting place for Elvis himself, along with his parents Vernon and Gladys, grandmother Minnie Mae, his daughter Lisa Marie, and grandson Benjamin.
Following Elvis’s death from a heart attack in 1977, the estate faced hefty annual expenses exceeding $500,000 for taxes and upkeep. To preserve the property and honor Elvis’s legacy, his team transformed Graceland into a museum in June 1982. Visitors can explore the mansion where Elvis lived, featuring highlights such as the famous living room with its distinctive peacock windows, the Polynesian-inspired “Jungle Room” used for recording, and the serene Meditation Garden, where Elvis and many family members are buried.
Directly across the street from the 17,552-square-foot mansion stands a large museum housing many of Elvis’s prized possessions, including his classic cars, gold records, stage costumes, and movie memorabilia. Guests can also tour his two private jets, the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II.
Today, Graceland attracts roughly 600,000 visitors annually, making it the second most visited private residence in the U.S., trailing only the White House. The estate earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, becoming the first site recognized for its significance to rock music history. In 2006, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Ownership of Graceland now rests with Riley Keough, Elvis’s granddaughter and the eldest daughter of Lisa Marie Presley. Keough, an accomplished actress, inherited the estate following Lisa Marie’s passing in January 2023.
Back in the 1950s, as Elvis’s stardom surged, he remained rooted in Memphis. Neighbors welcomed him warmly but found the influx of fans and reporters to be disruptive.
Seeking privacy, Elvis instructed his parents to find a farmhouse-style property with a budget of $100,000. At just 22 years old, he purchased Graceland for $102,500.
Elvis cherished Graceland as his sanctuary from the demands of fame. Even while on tour or filming in California, Graceland was always his home base, with efforts made to replicate its comfort wherever he stayed on the road.
Tragically, Elvis passed away at Graceland at the age of 42. He was found in a bathroom of the estate, with the official cause listed as cardiac arrhythmia, though later reports pointed to a combination of medications as contributing factors. The estate hosted his funeral, attended by family, friends, and fans mourning the King of Rock and Roll.
More than 60 years after Elvis made it his home, Graceland remains an iconic symbol of American music history. Fans continue to visit to experience the personal side of the legendary performer-walking through his living spaces, viewing his belongings, and paying tribute at his gravesite.
Graceland welcomes visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Ticket prices vary based on access levels, ranging from $53 to $260.