Graceland was Elvis Presley‘s family residence. Therefore, when it was decided to open the home to the public, choices were made regarding what rooms would be accessible and which would not. The Presley family agreed early on that the upstairs rooms were off-limits. So what would happen if a visitor tried to sneak upstairs to the king’s suite of rooms?
What happens if someone tries to sneak upstairs at Graceland?
Once the decision was made to open Elvis Presley’s Graceland home to the public, it was determined what rooms fans would be able to view. While he was alive, Elvis rarely let anyone upstairs. It was his private domain.
Therefore, when Graceland became a museum of Elvis’ life, that tradition continued with a tiny alteration. As Elvis died in the bathroom upstairs, the area was sealed off from fans so fans wouldn’t focus on that space.
So, if someone tried to sneak upstairs, they would likely be escorted out of the home. Nonetheless, it is doubtful that anyone will get upstairs. The bottom of the stairs is roped off, and a security guard stands at its bottom.
Per the official Graceland website, its not just the personal items located in the rooms. It’s also a matter of getting crowds through the area safely and efficiently.
“Along with these personal feelings is the matter of logistics. With our volume of visitors, we would be required to put in an extra staircase as an exit. We’d have to remodel upstairs, as the hallway connecting the rooms is not large enough to accommodate crowds.”
It continues, “This would radically alter the house, and no one wants to do that. The issue of privacy and respect is also why we do not publish photographs of the upstairs area. However, we do bring items from upstairs into our exhibits.”
Who is allowed in Elvis Presley’s private Graceland suite?
Since the home opened, only Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie Presley, and her immediate family have been allowed upstairs. Graceland’s Vice President of Artifacts and Exhibits, Angie Marchese, is also allowed in the private suite of rooms.
Reportedly, only a handful of people have been upstairs after Elvis’ death through the years. Some of these lucky individuals are Nicolas Cage and Michael Jackson, who were married to Lisa Marie, and Elvis movie director Baz Luhrmann, who was only given 15 minutes to see the area to try and visually try and replicate the area for the film.
Why were so few people allowed upstairs at Graceland?
During Elvis Presley’s lifetime, he only allowed certain family members or friends upstairs. That area was reserved for Elvis, Priscilla when they were married, and Lisa Marie Presley.
After Elvis and Priscilla split, Linda Thompson lived at the home and was allowed in the private suite. So was Ginger Alden, Elvis’ fiancé at the time of his death in 1977.
This tradition was continued when the mansion opened up for tours, The website states, “The part of Graceland we show the world on our tour is the part that Elvis showed anyone who visited him at Graceland. The upstairs was his private area.”
Elvis’ bedroom suite, his office, bathroom, and Lisa Marie’s bedroom reportedly remain untouched. The areas are maintained but everything in the rooms is as Elvis left it when he died on Aug. 16, 1977.
However the remainder of the downstairs area, the racquetball courts, Vernon’s office, and the Meditation Garden are open for visitors to enjoy. Elvis Presley’s Graceland is open for tours 363 days a year with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
