Graceland, Elvis Presley’s iconic Memphis mansion, has fascinated fans for decades. Opened to the public in 1982—five years after his passing—it remains the second most visited home in America, just behind the White House.
While thousands walk the halls of Graceland each year, one area remains forever off-limits: the mysterious upstairs. This was Elvis’ private sanctuary in life and, by the wishes of his late daughter Lisa Marie Presley and now his granddaughter Riley Keough, it continues to be preserved in strict privacy.
Although visitors can’t explore the King’s bedroom and office, both rooms are still meticulously maintained. But what about the attic above? What secrets did Elvis keep tucked away in the roof of his beloved home?
In a special virtual tour of Graceland, Daily Express asked in-house archivist Angie Marchese to shed light on the attic’s contents. Angie revealed, “All of the attic items have now been moved to the archives,” but she gave rare insight into what once lay hidden above.
Stored in the attic were deeply personal items: belongings of Elvis’ mother, Gladys Presley, his army gear from his time in service, some of daughter Lisa Marie’s baby clothes, and old furniture and drapes that had been retired from use.
Gladys passed away in 1958 at just 46 years old—around the time Elvis left for his military service in Germany. When he returned to Graceland as Sergeant Presley, the attic became a repository for memories and mementos of a more private time.
Today, some of Elvis’ military uniforms are displayed across the street at the Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex, while a few of Gladys’ simple, lovingly repaired clothes still hang in her bedroom closet—visible early in the Graceland tour.
Though the attic may be closed to visitors, its contents offer a glimpse into the quiet, personal world of a man who lived much of his life in the spotlight.
