Elvis Presley Statue is a free outdoor bronze monument at 705 Grand Avenue, now signed as Elvis Presley Avenue, in downtown Shreveport’s historic Shreveport Common area. Standing outside Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, it commemorates the young performer whose appearances on the Louisiana Hayride helped launch his national career. Unveiled in 2004, the statue makes a rewarding short stop for music fans because its setting matters as much as the sculpture: this is the auditorium where Elvis made his Hayride debut on October 16, 1954.
What to Expect at Elvis Presley Statue
Sculptor Eric Kaposta’s bronze presents Elvis with a guitar, recalling the early rockabilly performer rather than the jumpsuited Las Vegas headliner. Walk around the figure to appreciate its pose and instrument, then step back to include the auditorium in your photographs. The neighboring statue of guitarist James Burton, another Shreveport music figure who later played in Presley’s touring band, broadens the story beyond one singer. Together, the monuments connect the city’s radio-era performers with the musicians who carried their sound onto international stages.
The auditorium opened in 1929 as a memorial to those who served in World War I. Its substantial brick exterior and geometric Art Deco detailing provide the architectural backdrop. From 1948, the Louisiana Hayride broadcast from here over KWKH, introducing listeners to country performers and emerging stars. Elvis sang “That’s All Right” and “Blue Moon of Kentucky” on his first appearance. The statue is an exterior attraction, not a museum with regular gallery access; seeing the auditorium’s stage and interior requires a separately arranged tour or event ticket.
- Early-career Elvis: The guitar-bearing bronze emphasizes the performer’s breakthrough Louisiana Hayride years.
- Historic performance setting: The monument stands beside the actual auditorium associated with his 1954 debut.
- James Burton statue: A nearby tribute recognizes the influential guitarist and longtime Presley collaborator.
- Art Deco architecture: Examine the auditorium’s patterned brickwork and geometric facade details from outside.
- Free outdoor photography: Photograph the sculpture independently of auditorium tour schedules or concert admission.
Elvis Presley Statue at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 705 Grand Avenue / Elvis Presley Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71101 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Shreveport; Shreveport Common cultural district |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday: outdoor statue accessible 24 hours; auditorium access is separate |
| Admission / Price Range | Free statue viewing; $ overall. Auditorium tours and performances may require paid admission. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | SporTran downtown services; Central Station at 1237 Murphy Street is a connecting hub. Use legal nearby street parking and observe posted restrictions. |
| Official Website & Phone | Shreveport Municipal Auditorium; +1 318-841-4000 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Come in daylight, preferably before summer’s afternoon heat, for easier viewing of the bronze and building details. Concert arrivals can make the forecourt busier and parking more competitive. No reservation is needed for the statue; contact the auditorium ahead if an interior tour is important to your trip. Drivers should check curb signs rather than assuming auditorium parking is unrestricted. Bus travelers can plan connections through SporTran; allow extra walking time from Central Station and check the return service before setting out.
The statue is viewed from the paved outdoor forecourt, without entering the auditorium or climbing its interior stairs. Wheelchair users and families with strollers should choose sidewalk approaches with curb ramps and keep event entrances clear; ask the auditorium separately about accessible tour entry and seating. Pair the stop with Oakland Cemetery, roughly five minutes away, for nineteenth-century Shreveport history; Caddo Common Park, about a five-to-ten-minute walk, for public art and open space; or the Robinson Film Center on Texas Street, approximately ten to fifteen minutes away, for an independent-film outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when should I visit?
The outdoor statue is accessible 24 hours daily. Daylight is best for inspecting the sculpture, reading its surroundings, and photographing the auditorium; interior opening times depend on tours and events.
Do I need a ticket or reservation?
No ticket or reservation is required to see the Elvis statue. Auditorium tours and concerts are separate experiences, so check the official website or telephone the venue for availability and current charges.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 15 to 30 minutes for both musician statues, photographs, and the auditorium exterior. Add more time for a booked interior tour or a walk through Shreveport Common.
Is the statue suitable for families and wheelchair users?
The short outdoor visit suits families, and the paved viewing area avoids an indoor stair climb. Watch children near surrounding streets, use curb-ramp approaches with mobility devices, and do not climb the sculpture or pedestal.
When planning your Shreveport travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Shreveport, pair this stop with standout local spots including Meadows Museum Of Art, Orlandeaux's Café, Sci-Port Discovery Center, and The Logan Mansion (0.2 km away).
