The King’s ex-wife who opened Graceland to fans after his death will be heading to Bendigo to attend the exhibition launch.
In another massive coup for the region, Elvis’ former wife Priscilla Presley is coming to Victoria to launch the Elvis: Direct From Graceland exhibition in Bendigo this March.
Elvis: Direct from Graceland, curated by Bendigo Art Gallery in collaboration with Graceland trustees, including Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley, and supported by the Victorian Government, will run from March to July and draw visitors from around Australia, celebrating the life and legacy of the “King of Rock’n’Roll” Elvis Presley.
Travelling from her home in Los Angeles to Bendigo, Priscilla will launch the exhibition, which features 300 authentic artefacts owned by Elvis Presley, including a wide range of costumes and ultra-cool outfits, vintage memorabilia, and treasured items, direct from his Graceland home in Memphis, Tennessee, at the Bendigo Gallery on March 19.
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Fashion highlights include Elvis and Priscilla’s wedding outfits, the repurposed ’68 Special costume he wore to meet President Nixon, the diamond-encrusted Maltese cross necklace designed by Linda Thompson, and a dazzling array of Vegas jumpsuits and military uniforms. Personal treasures include his gold telephone, baby clothes from his daughter Lisa Marie, karate gi, his first job application, his first-grade crayon box from Tupelo, a 1976 Red Bicentennial Custom Harley Davidson, and the bongos Priscilla gifted him on their first Christmas together in Graceland.
“Priscilla plays a key role in the Elvis story and the continuation of his legacy, so we are absolutely thrilled that she is able to be a part of the opening celebrations for the exhibition,” Director Jessica Bridgfoot said.
As part of Priscilla’s trip, the international guest will join an in-conversation panel with Elvis: Direct from Graceland Curator Lauren Ellis and Graceland Vice President of Archives Angie Marchese at an exclusive event for Bendigo Art Gallery members. Priscilla will provide fascinating insights into her life with Elvis and share touching anecdotes about one of the world’s most iconic entertainers.
If you’re not already a member, you can join to secure your tickets to Priscilla’s only public appearance here.
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Elvis: Direct from Graceland opens at the Bendigo Art Gallery on 19 March 2022. You can find out more here.
