Direct From Graceland: Elvis The Exhibition At Arches, London Bridge

Due to overwhelming demand and the resounding success of the exhibition Direct from Graceland: Elvis at Arches London Bridge, promoter Kilimanjaro Live recently announced its extension through the summer months.

Fans are now invited to immerse themselves in the legendary world of Elvis Presley with an electrifying summer programme of events. From Graceland takeovers, special DJ evenings to film screenings and behind-the-scenes insights, this summer promises an unforgettable celebration of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s enduring impact on music, culture, and beyond.

Seasoned fans and newcomers alike won’t want to miss this unique opportunity to experience Graceland like never before.

From the gates of Graceland, the most significant collection of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll to ever leave Memphis is here for the summer, including Elvis Presley’s instruments, stage outfits and personal belongings. The Graceland Archive has assembled a powerful narrative which explores Elvis’ meteoric career, larger-than-life persona, influential sense of style, life at Graceland, plus lesser-known aspects of his early years, hobbies and personal life.

“The overwhelming response to this exhibition is a true testament of Elvis’ enduring legacy. Curating this exhibit that resonates with so many is such an honour and a privilege. As an archivist, we are storytellers and each artefact featured in this exhibition captures a moment in time and has a unique story to tell.” – Angie Marchese Graceland’s Vice President of Archives & Exhibits and curator of Direct from Graceland:  Elvis.

In over 11,000 sq ft, Arches London Bridge provides cavernous gallery space which will showcase Direct From Graceland: Elvis. The exhibition will feature over 400 artefacts owned by Elvis Presley, direct from the icon’s Graceland home in Memphis, Tennessee – including his military uniforms, his American Football uniform, his TCB Super Trike Motorcycle and Ferrari Dino GT4, and an amazing array of his famous jumpsuits – plus personal items like Lisa Marie’s baby clothes, Elvis’ first job application and the crayon box he took to school.

This exclusive and unmissable exhibition explores the extraordinary life and style of the best-selling solo recording star of all time, who single-handedly changed the face of popular culture around the globe like no-one before him or since. One of the most iconic public figures of the 20th century, the story begins with his humble childhood on the poverty line in small-town Mississippi where Elvis grew up immersed in the rich and diverse music cultures of the deep South. Only two years after cutting his first single at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Elvis had signed a major record deal and virtually overnight shot to super-stardom, the likes of which had never been seen before. In those early heady years, he purchased Graceland and created the private haven he would never sell, despite his ever-increasing fame over the following two decades.

In a time before celebrities had teams of personal stylists, Elvis carefully crafted his own look, borrowing from eclectic sources to perfect a ground-breaking new style. Decked out in threads from the ultra-hip Lansky Brothers store on Beale Street in Downtown Memphis, with slick coiffed hair and black mascara, Elvis’ appearance was as sensational as his music. His audacious style evolved over the decades: from the soft trousers and argyle socks of his youth to the leather rocker of 1968, to the flamboyant bling of the 1970s.

BRAND NEW ARTEFACTS TO BE REVEALED:
Alongside this extension, we are excited to announce the addition of several new artefacts making their way Direct from Graceland for the remaining run of the exhibition. These artefacts include Elvis Presley’s Gibson J200 leather guitar cover. This cover adorned one of his favourite guitars and was visible on stage throughout Elvis’ rise to fame in the 50s.

Synonymous with the King, the exhibition will also see the inclusion of Elvis Presley’s famous TCB aviator sunglasses which will be included in the wildly popular White Glove Experience.
In celebration of the 50-year anniversary of his 1974 Grammy win, the Grammy Award and nomination plaque will be showcased as part of the exhibition final run. On March 20th, 1974, Elvis recorded How Great Thou Art live on stage at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis. That recording went on to win Elvis his last Grammy in the category of Best Inspirational Performance.

Elvis Presley’s fashion and eclectic style has created a part of his legacy. Additional inclusions to this exhibition is the red vest worn on set during the filming of his 1968 Comeback Special and his dazzling diamond and ruby ring worn on stage and featured in his concert documentary Elvis On Tour.

Fans at Direct from Graceland: Elvis have been moved to tears by their proximity to and relationship with his personal artefacts, and these additions will come as memorable inclusions.

Summer Event Programme:

Thursday 20th June – Tuesday 25th June 2024
JUNE 2024 GRACELAND CURATOR EVENTS

Experience the ultimate insider’s view as Angie Marchese, Vice President of Archives & Exhibits flies Direct from Graceland to London and shares captivating stories and insights regarding the life and legacy of Elvis Presley. For 35 years Angie has worked in the heart of Graceland and is a wealth of knowledge and a gifted storyteller. Have the privilege of experiencing priceless artefacts from the Graceland Archives exclusively featured during these talks. Angie will take you on a journey a share the stories behind these pieces and what brought this amazing exhibition together. Hosted by the acclaimed exhibition Direct from Graceland: Elvis and following the success of Angie’s talks earlier this year, these events promise to be a special journey into the heart and soul of the legendary Elvis Presley. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exclusive gathering for Elvis fans.

Price: £125 including curator talk, exhibition entry and White Glove Experience

Saturday 22nd June 2024
GRACELAND CURATOR EVENING EVENT
Experience the ultimate insider’s view as Angie Marchese, Vice President of Archives & Exhibits flies Direct from Graceland to London and shares captivating stories and insights regarding the life and legacy of Elvis Presley through a handful of selected treasures, not currently featured in our White Glove Experience. Hosted by the acclaimed exhibition Direct from Graceland: Elvis and following the success of Angie’s talks earlier this year, this event promises to be a special journey into the heart and soul of the legendary Elvis Presley. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exclusive gathering for Elvis fans.
Time: 6pm
Price: £100 including exhibition entry 

Friday 5th July 2024
THAT’S ALL RIGHT MAMA: 50TH ANNIVERSARY NIGHT
Celebrate the 70th anniversary of the release of the King’s iconic first single “That’s All Right Mama!” with Direct from Graceland: Elvis and a 50s Night. Join us at 7:30 pm for exhibition entry, followed by an evening of dancing to the authentic tunes of the 50s with renowned DJ Bill Guntrip.

Time: 7.30pm
Price: £25 including exhibition entry & DJ event 

Arches London Bridge:
The iconic arches underneath London Bridge station have been transformed into a pioneering
exhibition and cultural events venue. Consisting of over 11,000 square feet with five interconnected 6m-high railway arches, this versatile and contemporary space is complemented by a newly renovated bar, café and shop, situated a block away from the River Thames in the heart of the city’s tourism track.

Arches London Bridge burst onto the arts scene in 2023 launching Direct From
Graceland: Elvis. Through a vast and kaleidoscopic array of treasures belonging to Elvis Presley,
visitors chart the meteoric rise to fame and the dramatic life and career of the King of rock ’n roll. Arches London Bridge is part of KMJ Entertainment and provides a cultural venue to group companies and independent producers.

Kilimanjaro Live:
Proud winners of Music Week’s Live Promoter of the Year 2023 Award, Kilimanjaro Live is one of the UK’s leading music, entertainment and events producers. With a diverse and dynamic range of artists, the promoters take a hands-on approach and pride themselves in spotting new talent and working closely with agents, managers and record labels to nurture artists’ careers. Ed Sheeran, Cat Burns, Gorillaz, Jacob Banks, Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes, Birdy, Sabaton, Suzanne Vega, Bullet For My Valentine, Don Broco, Anthrax, The Snuts, Sea Girls, Marina, Kae Tempest, Phoebe Bridgers and Sam Fender are among the scores of artists whose concerts the company have promoted in recent years.

Graceland and Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.: 
Elvis Presley’s Graceland, in Memphis, is music’s most important and beloved landmark, with
hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world visiting the historic home each year. Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. (EPE) manages the operations of Graceland and its related properties, including Elvis Presley’s Memphis, Graceland’s entertainment and exhibition complex over 200,000 square feet in size; the new 80,000 square feet Graceland Exhibition Center featuring rotating exhibits; the AAA Four Diamond Guest House at Graceland 450-room resort hotel; and the Graceland
Archives, featuring thousands of artifacts from Elvis’ home and career. EPE also produces and
licenses Elvis-themed live events, tours, and attractions worldwide. Graceland Holdings LLC, led by managing partner Joel Weinshanker, is the majority owner of EPE. Graceland is the only attraction worldwide to ever receive ten USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards including “Best Holiday Historic Home Tour,” “Best Tennessee Attraction and Iconic Landmark,” “Best Musical Attraction,” “Best Historic Southern Attraction,” and the #1 “Iconic American Attraction.” The TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards named Graceland the most popular attraction in Tennessee and one of the top 25 landmarks in the world and Rolling Stone named it one of 10 Great American Music Landmarks. For more information on EPE and Graceland, visit www.graceland.com 

Feature Image Credit: Aled Llywelyn Photography

The exhibition Direct from Graceland: Elvis at Arches London Bridge has been extended until 1st September 2024. 

Tickets: https://elvislondonbridge.co.uk/ 
Venue Address: Arches London Bridge, 8 Bermondsey St, SE12ER, London, United Kingdom 
Prices: Adult Standard Entry from £19.90 Child Aged 5 -15: From £16.90