Overton Park Shell Guided Backstage History Experience Tour

1 hour (approximately)
Offered in: English

The Overton Park Shell is an historic bandshell and museum in the Midtown Memphis oasis known as Overton Park. Lovingly called “The Shell” by Elvis Presley and most others, the storied amphitheater is where Elvis Presley played his first professional gig in 1954 at just nineteen-years-old, bringing live Rock & Roll to the world’s stage in an explosive way during a country music show headlined by yodeler Slim Whitman. The Shell remained important to Elvis and his family, as they continued to regularly visit and perform there over the years. Surviving many ups and downs since opening during The Depression of the 1930s, The Shell is still a cutting-edge regional performing arts pavilion today, offering 50 free concerts yearly accommodating up to 3,000 music lovers in its gorgeous park setting. The Shell’s fascinating story is now told through its new immersive Backstage History Experience guided tour that ties together almost a century of colorful Memphis and Midtown music histories.

What's Included

This fun indoor guided museum tour is casual, interactive, and includes ADA-friendly restrooms.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Overton Park Shell
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour (approximately)
  • 1
    Overton Park Shell

    The Shell's rich history includes many important “firsts” (it’s also the home of Johnny Cash’s first pro gig, for instance) and the artists who have graced its stage range from “A-Z,” or “Al Kapone to ZZ Top.” Elvis Presley fans from around the world have visited The Shell's exterior for many years, but now they can actually see its indoor Green Rooms where Elvis (and his family) have spent quality time in its more private spaces. The Shell's guided "Backstage History Experience" museum tour is now listed as one of Memphis Travel's "Best Museums in Memphis." Proudly, it's still a cutting-edge performing arts pavilion today, offering 50 multi-genre (free!) concerts, with sweet acoustics and cool lights, for up to 3,000 music lovers. Its adjacent Park neighbors include the Memphis Zoo, The Brooks Museum of Art, the National Ornamental Iron Museum, the Overton Park Golf Course, miles of beautiful walking trails, open space, a family playground, and a dog park - something for everyone!

    Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Overton Park Shell

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Tags

Museum Tickets & Passes
Historical Tours
Attractions & Museums
Museums
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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