Museum-goers are All Shook Up over Graceland – as Elvis Presley’s Tennessee mansion is named America’s favorite museum.
The King of Rock and Roll is still a major draw almost 50 years after his death, with over half a million visitors flocking to Memphis every year to catch a glimpse of the crooner’s former home.
According to a study conducted by Airport Parking Reservations, Graceland is the nation’s most beloved attraction, with over 1.2 million visitors creating online reviews at a 19.5 percent positivity rate.
Although the museum is only the fifth most attended in the US, music lovers are clearly impressed as it beat out New York City’s famed gallery The Met to land the top spot.
Rounding out the podium was The Art Institute of Chicago in Illinois, which had 219,608 reviews with a 12.5 positive score, reports WREG.
While The Met came in second place with an 18.5 percent positivity score, Presley’s sprawling estate notched up some happy customers thanks to its array of The King’s memorabilia.
The excitement left one visitor Jailhouse Rocking this month, however, as fanatical tourist Tommy Purcell was arrested after being filmed jumping into the pool in Graceland’s backyard.
Presley bought the home in 1957 for $102,500, the same year he recorded a slew of iconic hits including ‘Blue Christmas’ and ‘All Shook Up.’
The 13.8-acre property was constructed in 1939 by Ruth Brown Moore and her husband Dr. Thomas D. Moore, who named the property ‘Graceland’ after Ruth’s aunt Grace Toof, the original owner of the land.
When Elvis first bought the home, it spanned 10,266 square feet, but numerous renovations on the way to becoming a renowned museum have seen the mansion grow to 17,552 square feet, according to the Graceland website.
While only the White House receives more visitors as a house-museum, Graceland couldn’t be further from the esteem of the presidential residence. It is known as a zany, folksy look into Elvis’ lifestyle, including the notable ‘Jungle Room’ filled with greenery and family heirlooms.
Today, the property standing on 3763 Elvis Presley Blvd stands as one of America’s musical landmarks, and it was named to the American National register of Historic Places in 1991.
