Why can’t you go upstairs at Graceland?
Of all the famous estates owned by legendary musicians, Graceland has been mythologised the most. Despite recently being at the centre of a legal battle, its magic remains intact, and the grand palace, once owned by The King himself, Elvis Presley, continues to represent his profound impact at the very heart of Memphis, Tennessee.
After buying the estate at the age of 22 for just over $100,000, Presley found the perfect retreat for himself and his family. At the peak of his fame, Presley sought to create a solitary abode that reflected his unique taste. Its opulent interior provided a real cultural experience and a glimpse into the musician’s endearing world.
Before Presley’s passing in 1977, the house guests included friends and family members, some of whom stayed in the mansion while others resided in rooms located just outside of the main grounds. Many often enjoyed the openness of both the decor itself and Presley’s presentation of his inner taste on the outside, presented in a manner that spoke to his personality without the restrictions of language.
While Presley lived on the estate, it was a private vestibule, his suite on the second floor open to no one except those extremely close, and even then, those he regarded close to his heart would consider themselves lucky to enter the room he called his own. Even after Graceland opened to the public as a museum in 1982, the second floor remained strictly off-limits, preserving the private sanctuary that the King cherished. This area, where he spent his most intimate moments, remains a sacred space, maintaining the mystery and allure of his enigmatic personal life.
When members of the public visit the coveted attraction, they can enjoy many aspects of the mansion, but not Presley’s private suite on the second floor. According to various sources, Presley’s private suite is closed even to those in the highest ranks, including presidents and government officials. No one can go into the space, which led some to believe it has been left completely untouched since Presley was alive.
The reason for this seems simple—many believe it should remain closed to the public out of respect, especially since Presley himself once proclaimed, “Even if I’m dead, nobody will go upstairs.” Presley’s body was also found in the bathroom up in his private suite, which has likely caused many to view it as a resting place for the late singer.
Considering the fact that only his close confidants were allowed in the room while he was alive, it would seem that maintaining its privacy honours his wishes and preserves the sanctity of his most personal space. By keeping the upstairs off-limits, Graceland continues to respect Elvis’ legacy and the intimate boundaries he set during his lifetime.
Where is Graceland?
Graceland is located in Memphis, Tennessee, at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard. It sits in the southern part of the city, about nine miles from downtown Memphis. The state was originally named after Grace Toof, the daughter of the original owner, S.E. Toof, despite many believing that Presley named the mansion himself. Toof was a wealthy businessman in the area who owned the land and built the mansion in 1939, but the name became synonymous with Presley’s legacy after he became its new owner.
The location was one of the sources of influence for Paul Simon’s hit album, Graceland, alongside his commitment to the power of cross-cultural blends in music. “Graceland is really the true hybrid of South American music and American,” Simon explained to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“I kept singing ‘I’m going to Graceland’, and every time I’d sing it, I’d think, well, I’m not going to keep that,” he concluded. “This is not going to be a song about Elvis Presley”.
