For any true Elvis fan, a visit to Graceland is a pilgrimage – a chance to walk in the footsteps of the King at his iconic Memphis estate. But for those who can’t make the journey to Tennessee, the King has temporarily relocated to London. Direct from Graceland: Elvis is an extraordinary exhibition bringing over 400 artifacts from Elvis Presley’s personal archives and Graceland’s archives to the UK capital.

Hosted at the brand new Arches London Bridge exhibition venue, this kaleidoscopic retrospective charts Elvis’ life from his humble beginnings to his stratospheric rise as a global phenomenon and cultural icon. It’s a remarkable opportunity to get up close and personal with pieces of the Elvis legend.

The Man Behind the Myth

The exhibition kicks off by introducing you to Elvis the man. See his humble first guitar from the Tupelo Hardware Company, school reports, and other eye-opening personal items that provide a glimpse into the roots of this small-town boy who would go on to shake up the world.

As you wander through the cavernous railway arches, you’ll be immersed in Elvis’ meteoric ascent to superstardom in the 1950s. Classic footage and images play on the walls, while displays are packed with standout artifacts like his acclaimed NBC ’68 Comeback Special black leather suit, his first Golden Globe award, and more.

A Performer Like No Other

Of course, no Elvis exhibition would be complete without celebrating his electrifying stage presence and inimitable performance style. Entire spaces are dedicated to iconic shows like the ’68 Comeback Special that revitalized Elvis’ career, the groundbreaking Aloha from Hawaii concert broadcast via satellite to 1 billion viewers, and his legendary Las Vegas residencies.

As you approach the Las Vegas section, the arched brick railway tunnel you enter is transformed into a recreation of the Las Vegas strip, with Elvis’ booming voice and pulsating stage lights enveloping you. It’s a genuinely immersive spectacle that makes you feel like you’ve joined the ranks of his adoring fans at one of his sold-out Vegas shows.

Movie Star Memorabilia

Elvis was a triple threat – singer, musician, and actor. The exhibition pays tribute to his celebrated film career with displays of iconic costume pieces like his iconic Red Windbreaker from Viva Las Vegas. You can even spot his Hollywood Walk of Fame hand and foot prints.

For many, the crown jewel of the exhibition will be the meticulously recreated replica of Elvis’ dressing room at his Graceland home. It’s an extraordinary chance to glimpse Elvis’s most personal space exactly as he knew it. From the iconic trapped circus pattern curtains to his iconic TCB lightning bolt emblem, every detail has been precisely recreated based on archival photographs and memories of the Presley estate.

The Legacy Continues

The final section explores Elvis’ enduring impact and legacy which lives on today, over 45 years after his tragic passing. It spans the opening of Graceland to the public in 1982 to Elvis’ introduction to a new generation through Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic film Elvis.

Fans can see Elvis’ extensive record collection, listen to interviews and insights from his close friends and family, and even marvel at his iconic jumpsuits and costumes that continue to inspire fashion, music, and pop culture today.

An Exclusive Graceland Experience

For die-hard fans, the exhibition offers the ultimate VIP experience – the White Glove Experience. In an exclusive guided tour, you’ll have the rare opportunity to actually hold and examine items owned and used by Elvis himself, from his iconic costumes to personal artifacts. As Graceland’s VP of Archives Angie Marchese says, “Each one of these pieces captures a moment in time and has a story to tell.”

Whether you’re a lifelong Elvis fan or a new initiate to his enduring legacy, Direct from Graceland: Elvis is an unmissable experience. With over 400 artifacts on display, many never seen outside of Graceland before, it’s the closest you can get to the King without traveling to Memphis. As Broadway World raves, “This venue is just as unique as the subject we are talking about.”

The exhibition runs through August 27th at Arches London Bridge, just a short walk from London Bridge station. Advance tickets are available on their website starting at £24 for adults. For any Elvis fan, it’s an opportunity you can’t help falling in love with.