Mobile Graceland

Mobile Graceland in Anywhere, USA by Roy Architects, 2002

"I'm going to Graceland...Graceland...Graceland, Tennessee..."

Sung by Paul Simon, the above lyric epitomized America's infatuation with the life and death of Elvis Aaron Presley, especially his estate in Graceland. Since "The King's" death in 1977, over 12 million fans have flocked to Graceland to pay tribute to the singer and his lifestyle physically entombed just outside Memphis. Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Presley's death, Mobile Graceland brings his life to the rest of the country in a very American way: on the road.

The 53-foot-long 18-wheeler contains authentic memorabilia of the King - jewelry, clothes, musical instruments and other artifacts - in an exhibition space designed by New York City's Roy Architects. An undulating wall allows for various-sized artifacts to be displayed below lights and optional speakers that give additional information beyond the text displayed on glass panels. The interior is dictated by the confines of the semi trailer but deforms the space enough to give it a unique character which eventually fades away and places the artifacts at center stage.

The collection of artifacts illustrates America's love affair with Elvis, from his appearance waist up on Ed Sullivan to his Army days to his final days in Vegas and Graceland. Each episode of his life appears in the traveling collection and each episode indicates the effect he had on American life. His decadent lifestyle is put on display, so one realizes that Elvis's persona was much more than his actions: it was his belongings and how he surrounded himself with his possessions.

Sponsored by Harrah's and FYE Stores, and promoting a collection of Elvis #1 hits on RCA Records, Mobile Graceland also embodies American consumerism. In effect the traveling museum becomes a symbol of three very American ideals: capitalism, the automobile and Elvis. So look out for Mobile Graceland which may be coming to a casino or mall near you!