Whitehaven in Memphis in Shelby County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Meditation Garden
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 1, 2024
1. Meditation Garden Marker
For security purposes, Vernon Presley, with special permission from the city, had the gravesites of Elvis and his mother, Gladys, moved from Forest Hill Cemetery to Graceland in October of 1977. Since then, the garden has become the final resting place for Elvis' father Vernon, paternal grandmother Minnie Mae, daughter Lisa Marie, and grandson Ben. A small marker has also been placed in memory of Elvis' stillborn twin brother. The large marble cross was Gladys Presley's original monument at Forest Hill, and the headstone, which features the Star of David to represent Gladys' Jewish heritage, was placed at her grave in December 1964. The statue of Jesus with outstretched arms was a gift to Elvis from his friends one Christmas.
Meditation Garden was designed and built by Bernard Grenadier at Elvis' request in the mid-1960s. It features Italian statues, an elaborate fountain and special lighting. The brick wall behind the Grecian-inspired columns is inlaid with primitive stained-glass handmade in Spain in the mid-1800s. The garden offered Elvis a private serene area for meditation, reflection and quiet contemplation. It was one of his favorite places.
Erected by Elvis Presley's Graceland.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites
this page online
Location. 35° 2.719′ N, 90° 1.375′ W. Marker is in Memphis, Tennessee, in Shelby County. It is in Whitehaven. It can be reached from Elvis Presley Boulevard (U.S. 51) north of Dolan Drive. Marker is on the grounds of Elvis Presley's Graceland complex. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3764 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis TN 38116, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in West Tennessee. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in the Upper South, in the Mississippi Delta, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Racquetball Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Graceland (within shouting distance of this marker); Elvis Aaron Presley (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Graceland (about 700 feet away); The Omlie Tower (approx. 2.3 miles away); Ernest C. Withers House (approx. 3½ miles away); "The Tree" (approx. 3.9 miles away in Mississippi); Calvary Cemetery (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Memphis.
Regarding Meditation Garden. Marker is accessible with paid admission to the Graceland tour, or you must have a ticket. However, it is said that the Garden can be accessed hours before the Graceland complex opens.
Also see . . . Elvis Presley's Graceland (official website)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 1, 2024
2. Meditation Garden Marker
Marker with the garden (and tourists) in the background
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 1, 2024
3. Meditation Garden Marker
The Presley family graves (Minnie May (Elvis' grandmother), Elvis Presley, Vernon (Elvis' father)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 1, 2024
4. Meditation Garden Marker
The final resting place of Elvis' grandson and daughter at the Garden
Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 19, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 1,179 times since then and 177 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 19, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
