The Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum in Tupelo, Mississippi, occupies the modest two-room shotgun house on Elvis Presley Drive where Elvis Aaron Presley was born on January 8, 1935. The property is one of the most visited music heritage sites in Mississippi, attracting fans from around the world who come to see the humble origins of the musician who would become the best-selling solo music artist in history.
The birthplace itself is a simple wood-frame house — just 450 square feet — built by Elvis's father, Vernon Presley, in 1934 for approximately $180. The structure has been carefully preserved and restored to its 1930s appearance, with period-appropriate furnishings reflecting the working-class conditions of the Presley family. Visitors can step inside the house and view the room where Elvis was born, as well as the adjacent small museum building that chronicles his early years in Tupelo before the family moved to Memphis in 1948.
The museum building houses original artifacts, photographs, and documents from Elvis's Tupelo childhood, including school records, family photographs, and items connected to his first guitar — purchased at the Tupelo Hardware Company on Main Street, still operating today and worth a visit in its own right. A memorial chapel on the grounds provides a reflective space and features stained-glass windows depicting scenes from Elvis's life.
The adjacent Elvis Presley Park includes a bronze statue of the young Elvis. A combo ticket ($18 adults) covers both the birthplace and museum. The grounds also feature the childhood church Elvis attended. Tupelo is 90 miles south of Memphis via US-78/Interstate 22.
Good to know
- Hours
- Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Best time
- Weekday mornings; the Elvis Festival is held each June at BancorpSouth Arena
Location
306 Elvis Presley Dr, Tupelo, MS 38801
34.2706, -88.6956 View on map
Highlights
- The two-room shotgun house where Elvis was born in 1935, preserved with period furnishings
- Museum with original artifacts, school records, and photographs from Elvis's Tupelo childhood
- Memorial chapel with stained-glass windows depicting scenes from Elvis's life
- Bronze statue of young Elvis in the adjacent Elvis Presley Park
- Nearby Tupelo Hardware Company on Main Street where Elvis received his first guitar
Tips for visiting
- The combo ticket ($18 adults) covering the birthplace and museum is the best-value option — buy it at the ticket office on site.
- The Tupelo Hardware Company on Main Street (4 blocks away) is where Elvis's mother bought his first guitar — worth a short detour.
- Visit on weekday mornings to avoid the crowds that gather on weekends and during the annual June Elvis Festival.
- The birthplace interior is small; tours move through continuously so waiting times are rarely long.
- Free parking is available on the grounds; the site is easy to reach from Interstate 22 (exit 91).
When to visit
Weekday mornings are the least crowded. June brings the annual Elvis Festival to Tupelo and significantly increases visitor numbers across the site. Fall and winter visits offer a quieter, more personal experience.
Accessibility
The birthplace grounds and museum building are wheelchair accessible with a paved path from the parking area. The birthplace house itself involves a single step at the entrance; staff can assist. Accessible restrooms are available in the visitor building.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Elvis Presley Birthplace take?
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours, including the birthplace house, museum building, chapel, and park grounds. The birthplace itself takes around 15 minutes to walk through.
Is the birthplace chapel and park free to enter?
The grounds, park, and chapel exterior are free. Entry to the birthplace house and museum building requires a ticket — $18 for the adult combo ticket.
Is the site suitable for children?
Yes. The story of Elvis's humble origins is accessible and engaging for older children, and the grounds are pleasant for families. The bronze statue of young Elvis is a popular photo subject.
When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings year-round are quietest. The annual Elvis Festival held each June at BancorpSouth Arena draws large numbers of fans to Tupelo — book accommodations well in advance if visiting then.