But if it's Elvis himself you want to learn more about,
then the Elvis-A-Rama museum is the place for you. Opened
by Elvis collector Chris Davidson, this $3.5-million
exhibit is a must for all Elvis fans.
Guests are greeted by a "talking" Elvis on
the self-guided tour where they discover an exhibit
showcasing every 45, EP and LP recorded by the King,
along with a brief year-by-year history of his life.
Find posters from all 29 of his movies, original handwritten
lyrics and clothing worn onstage -- the museum houses
a number of Elvis' trademark jumpsuits, including the
"Cisco Kid" black-and-green leather-trimmed
beauty featured on the 1971 'He Touched Me' album sleeve.
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Rings and jewelry are also featured, both from the King's
early days to the more elaborate diamond-studded gold
bands he wore later in life. There's also a bejeweled
blue leather belt that Elvis wore during performances
at the Las Vegas Hilton in 1975. Other notable possessions
include three cars and the King's first speedboat, but
the museum goes beyond the ordinary with items such
as Elvis' Social Security card, scarves, guns, sporting
goods and more. Even the man's American Express card
and application (on which he listed an annual income
of $3 million in 1969) are on display, as well as a
letter to a former girlfriend denying that he was dating
Priscilla Beaulieu. And for you military fans, there's
an entire section devoted to Elvis' army years.
As if that weren't enough, a live Elvis tribute by one
of Vegas' notable impersonators plays almost every hour
on the hour. Although produced on a smaller scale than
most Elvis-impersonator gigs on the Strip, the shows
are definitely not to be missed. Do yourself a favor
and check out the museum's gift shop (which contains
the largest and most diversified collection of Elvis
merchandise) and shuttle, which your hotel concierge
can arrange for you. Although Elvis sang 'Fools Rush
In,' so do a lot of his fans every day.
Elvis lives on at the Elvis-A-Rama Museum, the world's
largest private collection of Elvis material. Here you'll
find the covers from all 729 of his songs, posters from
all 29 of his movies, original handwritten lyrics, and
clothing worn on stage and during his tour of duty in
the Army. Guests are greeted by a "talking"
Elvis on the self-guided tour and, after the introduction,
come face-to-face with an 80-foot-long mural, which
was created in Nashville in 1979 and has been signed
by the likes of Maria Shriver and Chet Atkins.
But this is only the beginning. The true Elvis aficionado
would find that a nine-hour visit isn't enough to examine
the $3.5 million exhibit closely. Elvis-A-Rama goes
beyond the ordinary with curious items such as Elvis'
American Express card and application (on which he listed
an annual income of $3 million in 1969) and a letter
written to a former girlfriend denying he was romantically
involved with Priscilla Beaulieu. Other must-sees: a
'55 Cadillac limo, originally white, that was painted
jet-black after it was dented (by whom, no one seems
to know) and a '62 Glastron Bayflite speedboat used
for water-skiing.
