‘Elvis Presley’s Memphis’ a $45m attraction
MEMPHIS: Nearly four decades after Elvis sang his last song, his legacy got a $45 million (R588m) boost with the Thursday opening of a major new attraction at his Graceland estate – an entertainment complex that Priscilla Presley says gives “the full gamut” of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
About 200 people streamed into Elvis Presley’s Memphis after the late singer’s wife cut a ribbon and allowed fans to see the complex for the first time.
Resembling an outdoor mall, the 18 850m2 campus sits across the street from Graceland, Presley’s long-time hometurned museum.
The complex features a comprehensive Presley exhibit with clothing he wore on stage and guitars he played, a showcase of his cars, a sound stage, a theatre, two restaurants and shops.
It’s part of a $140m expansion, which also includes a $90m, 450-room hotel that opened last year. The complex replaces the ageing buildings that have housed Presley-related exhibits for years.
The new guest house at Graceland, with modern amenities like glass-encased showers with wall-mounted body sprays and Keurig coffee makers in rooms, has replaced the crumbling Heartbreak Hotel, scheduled for demolition. Adults pay $57.50 (R750) for a standard tour of the house and access to the complex. Gladys’ Diner – named after the singer’s mother – has the feel of a 1950s eatery, complete with pictures of Presley, aqua-coloured chairs and stations to order hot dogs, burgers and ice cream.
The complex is still being finished. Priscilla Presley said there’s a warehouse full of artefacts, ready for display.
During the interview Priscilla Presley declined to comment about a court battle in Los Angeles between Lisa Marie Presley, the daughter she had with Elvis, and Lisa Marie’s estranged husband.