Attractions
Graceland
The King of Rock of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s memory lives on in wonderful detail at his former home, Graceland Mansion. Elvis Presley’s life, including his rise to international fame, is chronicled as visitors tour his living spaces – from living room to Jungle Room – in the King’s private home. See extraordinary memorabilia as you visit the Car Museum and other exhibits that portray America’s most famous rock star.
Address: 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis
Telephone: (800) 238 2000 from the US; 1 (901) 332 3322 from abroad
Email:glsales@elvis.com
Website:www.elvis.com
Hours of operation: Ticket office: 8:30am-5pm, Mon.-Sat; 9:30am-4pm, Sun. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Admission: Mansion tour: $31 (adults), $27.90 (seniors and students), $14 (children 6-12), children 6 and under tour free.
Sun Studio
The birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll is in Memphis – on Union Avenue, to be exact. The story goes that Elvis Presley strolled into Sun Studio to record a birthday gift for his mother. The rest is – as you know – musical history. The southern studio helped to produce musical masterpieces sung by the King himself, as well as Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison. Hop a free shuttle from Graceland to see 1950s memorabilia, touch Elvis’ first mic, and listen to outtakes from live recording sessions.
Address: 706 Union Ave, Memphis
Telephone: (901) 521 0664
Website: www.sunstudio.com
Hours of operation: Daily, 10am-6pm. Tours start at 10:30am and run hourly through 5:30pm.
Admission: Adults, $12; Children 5-11, free; Children under 5 not permitted
Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum
Discover the roots of American music at the Smithsonian Institute’s Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum. Opened in 1996 under the collaboration of the Smithsonian Institute and the National Museum of American History, the museum has welcomed more than 200,000 visitors since its doors opened. Listen to authentic digital recordings as you admire seven galleries of rock history, featuring instruments, costumes, and other historical memorabilia.
Address: 191 Beale St & Highway 61 at FedExForum
Telephone: (901) 205 2533
Email: info@memphisrocknsoul.org
Website: www.memphisrocknsoul.org
Hours of operation: Daily, 10am-7pm; Last tour at 6:15pm
Admission: Adults $11; Youth (5-17) $8; Free for Tenn. residents every Tues., from 2-7pm
Pink Palace Museum
Intended during construction for the founder of the famous Piggly Wiggly supermarket chain, the Pink Palace now serves as a museum rather than a residence. Clarence Saunders unfortunately declared bankruptcy in the 1920s, before construction of the flamboyant mansion on Central Avenue was complete. Subsequently, the mansion fell into the hands of the city. Thus, the Pink Palace Museum came to be. Visitors now get a chance to see a replica of the first self-service supermarket in America, as well as other exhibitions and examples of the area’s rich cultural history.
Address: 3050 Central Ave., Memphis
Telephone: (901) 636 2320
Website: www.memphismuseums.org
Hours of operation: Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, 12pm-5pm. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Admission: Adults $9.75; Seniors (65 and older) $9.25; Children $6.25. Tickets for Imax shows sold separately.
Mud Island River Park
Ride a monorail, catch a live show, or pedal around a replica of the Gulf of Mexico at the Mud Island River Park, a wonderful outdoor retreat for the entire family. The 52-acre park is a fun, yet informative, way to learn about the grand Mississippi River. Bring the kids and discover the park’s various attractions, including the Mississippi River Museum, a huge swimming pool, and the five-block-long River Walk, an exact scale of the nearly 1,000-mile-long lower Mississippi.
Address: 125 N Front St, Memphis
Telephone: (901) 576 7241
Website: mudisland.com
Hours of operation: Open April-Oct, Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Closed Mondays. Doors close one hour prior to closing. Admission: Adults (13-59) $10, Seniors (60 and older) $9, Youths (5–11) $7, Children (4 and under) free
Memphis Botanic Garden
The 96 acres of gardens that make up the Memphis Botanic Garden are a sight – and smell – to behold. Spend an afternoon admiring the 23 specialty gardens, including the Rose Garden, Japanese Garden of Tranquility and the Tennessee Bicentennial Iris Garden. And remember to bring the kids; the garden offers clubs, educational outreach and events for children of all ages.
Address: 750 Cherry Rd, Memphis
Telephone: (901) 576 4100
Website: www.memphisbotanicgarden.com
Hours of operation: April-Oct: Mon-Sat, 9am-6pm; Sun, 11am-6pm. Nov.-March: Mon-Sat, 9am-4:30pm; Sun 11am-4:30pm
Admission: Adults $8, Seniors (62 and above) $6.50, Children (2-12) $5, Children under 2 are free
