Graceland

Graceland, former estate of American singer Elvis Presley, located in Memphis, Tennessee. Opened to the public in 1982, the estate displays a huge selection of Presley’s possessions and memorabilia. Today the Graceland mansion is one of the most-visited private residences in the United States.

Presley bought the 14-hectare (6-acre) Graceland estate for $102,500 in 1957, when he was 22 years old. The property was called Graceland before Presley bought it, named for the original owner’s Aunt Grace. The estate’s mansion was built in 1939; much of it was remodeled by Presley.

Graceland was Presley’s primary residence until his death in 1977. Five years later, his ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, agreed to open the site as a museum, in part to finance the large cost of maintaining the estate.

Tours of the 23-room mansion show visitors Presley’s taste in décor, including a Hawaiian-themed “jungle room” that features an indoor waterfall fountain and green shag carpeting on the ceiling. A trophy building displays Presley’s collection of awards, gold records, stage costumes, jewelry, photographs, and other items. The upper floor of the mansion, including Presley’s bedroom, is closed to the public. A meditation garden on the grounds of the estate contains the graves of Presley, his parents, his grandmother, and his stillborn twin brother. Across the street from the mansion, tourist attractions include Presley’s car and motorcycle collection, featuring his 1955 pink Cadillac, and tours of his two jet airplanes, Lisa Marie (named for his daughter) and Hound Dog II.

“Elvis Week” is held at Graceland every August to commemorate Presley’s death on August 16, 1977. The event features dances, conventions, and a candlelight vigil.