20th Century · Tennessee
Graceland
The front of Graceland, Elvis Presley's home. — Maha
Why Graceland Matters
Graceland was the home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, and is a shrine to one of the most influential entertainers of the 20th century. Elvis bought the Memphis mansion in 1957 at the height of his early fame and lived there until his death in 1977; he is buried on its grounds. Opened to the public in 1982, Graceland has become one of the most visited private homes in America, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans each year to walk through the rooms where the King lived.
By the Numbers
The Mansion
- Built
- 1939
- Elvis bought it
- 1957, for ~$102,500
- Grounds
- 13.8 acres
Famous rooms
- Highlights
- The Jungle Room, TV Room, racquetball building
Elvis
- Died
- August 16, 1977, at Graceland
- Buried
- In the estate's Meditation Garden
Today
- Operator
- Elvis Presley Enterprises
Timeline
- 1939The Graceland mansion is built south of Memphis.
- 1957Elvis Presley buys Graceland at age 22.
- 1977Elvis dies at Graceland on August 16, aged 42.
- 1977He is buried in the estate's Meditation Garden.
- 1982Priscilla Presley opens Graceland to the public.
- 2006Graceland is designated a National Historic Landmark.
Complete History
The colonial-style mansion was built in 1939 on what was then farmland south of Memphis and named Graceland after a relative of its original owners. In 1957, a 22-year-old Elvis Presley — already a national sensation — bought the house and its grounds for about $102,500, moving in with his parents. Over the next two decades he transformed it into a personal world, adding features like the racquetball building and the exotically decorated Jungle Room.
Graceland was the center of Elvis's life through the peaks and struggles of his career. He returned there between tours, films, and his legendary Las Vegas residencies, and it was here, on August 16, 1977, that he died at the age of 42. He was buried, along with members of his family, in the estate's Meditation Garden, which became a place of pilgrimage for grieving fans.
Faced with the cost of maintaining the estate, Elvis's former wife Priscilla Presley opened Graceland to the public in 1982. The gamble succeeded spectacularly: the mansion became one of the most popular house museums in the country, second only to the White House among American homes. In 2006 Graceland was designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its place in the story of American music and culture.
Historic Images
Interesting Facts
- Elvis Presley bought Graceland in 1957 for about $102,500 and lived there until his death in 1977.
- Elvis died at Graceland on August 16, 1977, at the age of 42, and is buried on the grounds in the Meditation Garden.
- The mansion's most famous space is the Jungle Room, known for its green shag carpet and Polynesian-style furnishings.
- Graceland opened to the public in 1982 and is one of the most-visited private homes in the United States, after the White House.
- It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2006 for its significance to American music and popular culture.
Visiting Today
- Hours
- Graceland is open to visitors most days of the year, with hours that vary by season; it occasionally closes for special events. Check the official Graceland website before visiting.
- Admission
- Tours require paid tickets, offered at several tiers — from the mansion alone to packages including the exhibit complex and Elvis's aircraft. Booking online in advance is advised.
- Best time to visit
- Weekdays and mornings are least crowded; Elvis Week in August, around the anniversary of his death, is the busiest and most emotional time to visit.
- Nearby
- Downtown Memphis, Beale Street, Sun Studio, and the National Civil Rights Museum.
The self-guided mansion tour uses an audio guide and can be busy, so arrive early. Budget extra time for the large exhibit complex across the street, which holds Elvis's cars, jumpsuits, and airplanes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whose home was Graceland?
Graceland was the home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll. He bought the Memphis mansion in 1957 and lived there until his death in 1977.
Is Elvis buried at Graceland?
Yes. Elvis Presley is buried on the Graceland grounds in the Meditation Garden, alongside members of his family. His grave is a major stop for visitors.
Can you visit Graceland?
Yes. The mansion and grounds are open to the public as a museum, with tours of the house, the Meditation Garden, and extensive exhibits of Elvis's cars, costumes, and career across the road.
How much did Elvis pay for Graceland?
He bought the mansion and its grounds in 1957 for about $102,500, when he was just 22 years old and near the start of his fame.
