Today marks the grand opening of “Elvis Presley’s Memphis at Graceland,” a 200,000-square-foot entertainment complex that sits across the street from the late rock ’n’ roll king’s famous mansion. According to the website for the new $45 million facility, “The largest entertainment complex of its kind, and exponentially bigger than Graceland’s current visitor center, Elvis Presley’s Memphis’ will enable music fans, pop culture enthusiasts and Memphis visitors to follow the path that Elvis took, surround themselves with the things that he loved, and experience the sights and sounds of the city that inspired him. Guests will fully immerse themselves in his life and career like never before—his roots, his influences and his artistry.”|
Tickets are available (and recommended) for visitors and are available now at Graceland.com. Guests can choose to stay at the Guest House at Graceland, a newly built, 450-room hotel described in the facility’s promotional literature as “a world-class AAA Four-Diamond rated resort.”
According to the website, “While the acclaimed Graceland Mansion tour will continue to present the personal and family side of Elvis’ life, Elvis Presley’s Memphis will tell the rest of the story, exploring the beginning of the incredible music and pop culture explosion that all started here in Memphis, with the greatest entertainer of all time.”
As Elvis Presley’s Memphis opens, a new tour experience will also debut. This tour “will take a small group of visitors on an unprecedented journey through Elvis Presley’s life story and the history of rock ’n’ roll,” the website says. “Led by an expert tour guide, visitors will tour Graceland Mansion and explore all of Elvis Presley’s Memphis, including the new Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, Elvis: The Entertainer Career Museum, Elvis Discovery Exhibits, Elvis’ Custom Jets and an exclusive Ultimate VIP Tour Exhibit.
Other features of Elvis Presley’s Memphis include “Elvis: The Entertainer,” a 20,000-square-foot museum celebrating Elvis’ incredible music, movie and live touring career. This museum features hundreds of artifacts from the extensive Graceland Archives, from Elvis’ early days in Tupelo, Mississippi, through his first recording session in Memphis, rise to fame, Hollywood career, service in the U.S. Army, life at Graceland, the Las Vegas years and more. “Elvis: The Entertainer” is described as “the largest and most comprehensive Elvis museum in the world.”
A new Elvis Presley Automobile Museum called “Presley Motors” will showcase over 20 of Elvis’ automobiles and motorized vehicles, including Elvis’ iconic Pink Cadillac, and also feature a 1,700-seat theater space showcasing Elvis movie clips focused on cars and racing.
Related: Elvis’ 1968 comeback
Also included is a live music venue, restaurants named after Elvis’ parents and “Discovery” exhibit spaces that will showcase aspects of Elvis’ life, career and interests. Finally, Elvis Presley’s Memphis also features Elvis’ two custom airplanes, the Lisa Marie and the Hound Dog II, which will remain across the street from the Mansion, adjacent to the new venue.
Watch Elvis’ widow, Priscilla Presley, give a tour of the Guest House at Graceland
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