All things ELVIS
Graceland offering virtual tours that go real deep
Graceland is a mansion fit for a king — the king of rock 'n' roll, that is.
For the first time, Elvis Presley's Graceland in Memphis is offering virtual live VIP tours that go deeper than the escorted walking visits.
The usual on-site tours are now limited due to the pandemic.
These new virtual ventures dig deep into the Elvis fascination to reveal many of his eclectic tastes through his choice of furnishings and style.
Even though he “left the building” for good with his death in 1977, the Elvis passion continues unabated around the world.
“In a typical year, Graceland hosts hundreds of thousands of visitors from more than 125 countries including Canada and all 50 states,” said Debbie Miller of Elvis Presley Enterprises.
These tours are for virtual tourists to enjoy from the comfort of their home and those who have always wanted to visit Graceland but never had the chance, she added.
The personally escorted twohour tours offer a “behind-theropes
look” at the mansion and include the far-out jungle room where Elvis and his musician friends recorded most of the songs for his final two albums.
There's also an on-board tour of the Lisa Marie airplane, named after his daughter, and a walk through Elvis's Memphis exhibit and entertainment complex. The Convair 880 jet, nicknamed the Flying Graceland by Elvis, has two halfbaths, a lounge, conference, sitting rooms and a master bedroom.
Virtual visitors from around the world can see various artifacts, including Elvis's cars, jumpsuits, gold records and movie memorabilia.
So popular are the virtual tours that additional dates continue to be added due to demand, including three new customized visits, said publicist David Beckwith.
Tours are hosted by Angie Marchese, called “one of the world's foremost experts on all things Elvis.”
As vice-president of Graceland Archives and Exhibits, she highlights artifacts and tells stories that vary from tour to tour, making each experience different.
“Virtual Live Tours provide
guests a VIP experience with an indepth look into Elvis's life,” she said.
“The artifacts spotlighted and stories told will vary from tour to tour, making each experience unique,” she added.
Viewers also have the opportunity to ask questions and watch their tour over and over again as they are archived for a week and presented live through a private, closed Facebook group. Highlights of the four tours are:
■ The Graceland Experience is recommended for first-time guests and gives a thorough overall look at the mansion and attractions.
It is offered next on a new date, March 13 (with the March 25 tour sold out).
■ The Mansion, on April 5, is new for a “deep dive” into Graceland and the grounds. It explores the “personal side of Elvis” and his family and includes a visit to the trophy building and the recently restored racquetball building. Starting at the front door, it winds up with a quiet moment in the Meditation Garden grave site.
■ Elvis' Life and Career looks at the museum with stories about artifacts on display including his cars, motorcycles, wardrobe jump suits and concert set pieces. It's offered on April 19.
■ The Archives Vault is the third addition that goes into the “top-secret facility” where Elvis's personal items not on display are stored.
Viewing some of the thousands of artifacts “can only be seen through this virtual experience.” Available on April 12.
Thank you, thank you very much. Joining a virtual tour costs US$98.50.
Details: Graceland.com; or call 1-800-238-2000 or (901) 332-3322
For Postmedia News