Statue of Elvis, Memphis

Statue of Elvis, Memphis

The statue of Elvis Presley on Beale Street is a fitting tribute to the King of Rock 'n Roll who used to live in Memphis, walked its streets, and, of course, started crafting his signature style here. The current sculpture, as it stands, is actually the second take of the larger than life bronze idol. The first one, unveiled in 1980, created by artist Eric Parks, was unfortunately too fragile to withstand the elements and the intensity of souvenir-crazed fans who stripped the guitar strings and plucked tassels from Elvis's suit.

To prevent further damage, in 1994, a decision was taken to remove the heavily worn down “Elvis” from the street and place it indoors in the downtown Memphis Tennessee Welcome Center.

For three years, Elvis Presley Plaza remained a big, empty spot, until in 1997 it was finally filled with a new 9.5-foot bronze statue of Elvis sculpted by Andrea Lugar. Unlike the original, the replacement depicted “pre-tassels” Elvis with a curled lip, a wave of hair, and a guitar poised to make fans of all ages swoon – just as Elvis would have looked like back in 1955, wearing a stage gear bought, most likely, at Lansky Bros. down the block.

Although designed to be more sturdy than the previous statue, it is also kept at a secure distance from the public behind an encircling fence.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Memphis. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Statue of Elvis on Map

Sight Name: Statue of Elvis
Sight Location: Memphis, USA (See walking tours in Memphis)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Memphis, Tennessee

Create Your Own Walk in Memphis

Create Your Own Walk in Memphis

Creating your own self-guided walk in Memphis is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Elvis Presley Walking Tour

Elvis Presley Walking Tour

Above all other celebrities, Memphis, Tennessee, is primarily associated with Elvis Aaron Presley (known to the majority worldwide simply as Elvis). Thus, it is not at all surprising that Memphis serves as a sort of shrine to the man and his music. Even though Presley passed away in 1977, his fans keep flocking into the city to this day to pay their respects to the King of Rock 'n' Roll....  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Memphis Blues Walking Tour

Memphis Blues Walking Tour

If you're a music fan, visiting Memphis, Tennessee, is a must! As the cradle of blues, this city has influenced many musicians and music lovers worldwide. The soulful blues genre is deeply rooted in the history of Memphis. Below is just a sample of an awesome list of places to learn more about Memphis Blues’ juicy past, present, and future.

One of the essential stops for any blues...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Memphis Downtown Walking Tour

Memphis Downtown Walking Tour

Downtown is the oldest part of Memphis. This vibrant and culturally rich district is home to a variety of historical, artistic, and entertainment destinations that collectively reflect the unique heritage and spirit of the “blues city”.

One of the area's standout attractions is the Fire House Museum, a fascinating spot where visitors can explore the history of the city's fire...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Memphis Introduction Walking Tour

Memphis Introduction Walking Tour

One of the most iconic destinations in the United States, the city of Memphis has gone down in history for many different reasons. Set on a bluff over the Mississippi River, the site of today's Memphis has been settled for over a thousand years by various cultures, including the Indian tribe of Chickasaw. The latter encountered European explorers in the 16th century. In the 18th century,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour

Historical Buildings Walking Tour

A substantial part of Memphis' heritage is manifested in its iconic buildings. By far more than just bricks and mortar, they are a history window through which one can observe the city's growth and development over the years. Here's a brief overview of some of these notable structures.

Harsson-Goyer-Lee House: This charming 19th-century mansion stands as a testament to...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles