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Elvis Presley Birthplace

About

Imagine a modest white building in the small town of Tupelo that became the birthplace of one of the world's most iconic musical legends. It was here, in the USA, on January 8, 1935, that Elvis Presley was born. Today, the Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum is not just a historical building, but a true cultural monument attracting thousands of rock and roll fans.

Elvis Presley Birthplace. Source: Kupi.com AI

This humble two-room "shotgun house" was built by the future King's father, Vernon Presley. The house's architecture is typical of the poor neighborhoods in the American South at that time, highlighting the artist's incredible journey from extreme poverty to the heights of global fame. The entire complex is steeped in the atmosphere of the 1930s, allowing guests to feel the environment where the musician spent his early childhood.

In addition to the house itself, the complex includes a modern museum, a memorial park, and the Assembly of God church building where a young Elvis was first introduced to gospel music. The site is officially listed on the Mississippi Blues Trail, emphasizing its exceptional significance to the region's musical heritage.

Contacts

To plan your visit and check the latest information, you can use the official contact channels. The museum is conveniently located within the city, and staff members are always ready to assist tourists with any questions.

Address306 Elvis Presley Dr, Tupelo, MS 38801, USA
Phone+1 662-841-1245
Websitehttp://www.elvispresleybirthplace.com/
Google MapsOpen map

What to Do

The main highlight for guests is the opportunity to step across the threshold of the room where Elvis Presley was born. Inside the house, an authentic 1930s setting has been preserved with original household items from that era. This allows you to literally touch history and see how simple the great artist's first steps were.

Of particular interest is the church building where the Presley family attended services. The church was carefully moved to the museum complex grounds, and today it hosts themed presentations about the role of religion and musical upbringing in young Elvis's life. This is where you can feel the origins of his unique vocal style.

The museum also features a rich collection of the family's personal belongings, rare photographs, and archival documents. While walking through the park, be sure to find the "Elvis at 13" statue, depicting the future King at the moment he was leaving Tupelo to head for Memphis. Every year, celebratory events are held here in honor of his birthday, bringing together fans from all over the world.

Getting There

The Birthplace & Museum is located at 306 Elvis Presley Dr in the eastern part of the city. Most travelers prefer to get here from Memphis, Tennessee, which is about 180 kilometers away. The drive in a rental car takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes via Highway I-78.

For those choosing public transport, there are intercity bus services to Tupelo; however, it is most convenient to take a taxi from the bus station to the museum itself. The city also has a local airport that accepts domestic flights, which is handy for tourists traveling across the states by plane.

If you are traveling by car on your own, use a navigator and enter the coordinates 34.2599605, -88.6799648. There is ample parking for visitors on the complex grounds.

History & Facts

The story of this place began with a big dream and a tiny budget. Vernon Presley, the father of the future artist, built the house with his own hands after borrowing $180 from his boss. The family lived in extreme poverty, and just three years after their son was born, they were forced to leave the home due to financial struggles. Many fans consider it a true miracle that the building has survived to this day.

One of the most amazing facts is an event that occurred on April 5, 1936. A devastating F5 category tornado struck Tupelo, leveling hundreds of buildings. Remarkably, the modest Presley cottage was practically untouched, and the family remained unharmed, preserving the future legend of rock and roll for the world.

Interestingly, as a child, Elvis regularly attended the local Assembly of God church. It was there, listening to hymns and gospel music, that he began to shape his unique musical style. Today, this house has become more than just a museum; it is a symbol of the "American Dream," showing how a person who changed global culture could come from the simplest of beginnings.

Time Needed

A standard tour of the attraction usually takes 1–2 hours. This is enough time to leisurely walk through the rooms of the house, visit the memorial church, and view the main exhibition in the museum building.

If you are a dedicated fan of Elvis Presley and want to study the archival photos in detail, listen to recordings, or simply spend more time walking around the park grounds, we recommend setting aside half a day for your visit. The atmosphere of this place is very conducive to a quiet immersion in history.

Working Hours

The museum is open to visitors daily; however, the operating hours differ between weekdays and weekends. Plan your visit in advance to ensure you have time to see all parts of the complex before closing.

Operating Hours:

  • Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Sunday: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Please note that on Sundays, the exhibition doors only open in the afternoon.

Nearby

Visiting Elvis's birthplace is a great reason to explore other interesting sites in the region. The surrounding area allows you to dive deeper into Mississippi's history, explore Civil War memorials, or simply enjoy Southern hospitality at local establishments.

Near the museum, you will find both historical locations and popular restaurants where you can relax after your tour. Exploring these sites will help you get a better sense of the city's culture and atmosphere.

Name Type Distance (km)
Town Creek Encampment Historical Site 0.3
Mugshots Grill and Bar - Tupelo, MS Restaurant 1.8
Fairpark Grill Restaurant 1.9
Nautical Whimsey Italian Restaurant 2.3
Hernando De Soto Landmark Monument 2.6
Green Street Grove Park 2.7
ForkLift Restaurant Restaurant 3.7
Brick & Spoon Restaurant 4
Outback Steakhouse Restaurant 4.1
Tupelo National Battlefield Historical Site 5.3

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