Watch the video at the end of this article.
Introduction
The primary reason nobody goes upstairs in Elvis’s home Graceland is to preserve the privacy and sanctity of Elvis’s personal space, and out of respect for his family.
Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons:
- Elvis’s Private Domain: During his lifetime, the upstairs of Graceland, which includes his master bedroom, private bathroom (where he died), dressing room, and Lisa Marie Presley’s childhood bedroom, was strictly off-limits to all but his closest friends and family. It was his sanctuary from the public eye.
- Respect for His Passing: Elvis Presley passed away in his private bathroom upstairs on August 16, 1977. Keeping the upstairs sealed off helps to preserve the dignity of that space and prevent it from becoming a morbid attraction for visitors seeking to see the exact spot of his death.
- Family’s Wishes: When Graceland opened to the public in 1982, Lisa Marie Presley (Elvis’s daughter) and the estate made a firm decision that “The upstairs will remain exactly as my father left it—it will never be opened to the public.” This was a promise Lisa Marie made to her father. The official Graceland website confirms that “The second floor has remained private out of respect for Elvis and his family.”
- Preservation of Artifacts: The rooms remain untouched since 1977, with his bed still made, clothes in the closet, and records and books by his chair. Restricting access helps preserve these personal items and maintain the authenticity of the space as a “time capsule.”
- Structural Integrity: Some sources also mention that the stairs and upper floor were not built to withstand the constant heavy foot traffic of millions of tourists, and allowing access could compromise the structural integrity of the mansion.
While it fuels curiosity, the decision to keep the upstairs private is a deeply personal and respectful one, ensuring that Graceland remains a memorial to Elvis’s life and legacy, rather than just a tourist attraction focusing on his death. Even presidents and foreign dignitaries have been turned away from going upstairs. Only a very select few, like Priscilla Presley, Lisa Marie (before her passing), and the Graceland curator, are permitted access for maintenance and preservation.
Video