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- More To See Of The King Of Pop.
Few artists get to enjoy the famed and financial success of Michael Jackson. To say he rocked the world would be an understatement. Today one can go on a tour in LA to see what his life was like.
While Michael Jackson's former homes may not be open to the public (including Neverland and Thriller Villa), Graceland is. If one is visiting Tennessee, pop into the former home of Elvis Presley and see the opulent luxury that the King of Rock 'n Roll once called home. Anyone with a love of music should visit Nashville and go on this trolley tour which explores 100 points of interest in the city.
UPDATE: 2023/01/06 10:48 EST BY AARON SPRAY
More To See Of The King Of Pop.
In addition to visiting Neverland (if one is lucky enough) and other places associated with Michael Jackson, some of the best places to learn about him are in museums. This article was updated with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and The Hollywood Museum, which predictably have excellent exhibits of Michael Jackson (including some of his original costumes).
The Fame And Success Of Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson was a singer, songwriter, and dancer and was dubbed the King of Pop. He is now regarded as one of the culturally most significant figures of the 20th century. He had a career spanning four decades that saw him influence many music genres.
- Dance: He Popularized Complicated Dance Moves Like The Moonwalk and the Robot
- Awarded: He Was The Most Awarded Music Artist in History
Michael Jackson was born the eighth child of the Jackso family and went on to be one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Some of his famous albums include Thriller (1982), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991), and HIStory: Past, Present, and Future, Book I (1995).
- Thriller: The Best-Selling Album of All time
- Bad: The First Album To Produce Five US Billboard Hot 100 Number One Singles
- Accolades: 15 Grammies, 6 Brit Awards, 1 Golden Globe Award, 39 Guinness World Records
- Halls Of Fame: 2x Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, The Dance Hall of Fame, and Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame
What To Know About Neverland
Michael Jackson named his home Neverland Ranch or Neverland. He named it after the fictional island and imaginary faraway place where Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook, and the Lost Boys live. It is a land where Peter Pan never grows up; Paradise Treats notes that Michael Jackson "never had the chance to be a child."
- Renamed: Neverland Has Been Renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch
- Address: 5225 Figueroa Mountain Road, Los Olivos, California
Neverland Ranch is now called Sycamore Valley Ranch and is located in Santa Barbara County in California. It was Michael Jackson's home and private amusement park from 1988 to 2005. In its heyday, it was a zoo and amusement park with a variety of animals, including the chimpanzee, Bubbles.
When Michael Jackson lived in it, it was complete with a Ferris wheel, an antique carousel, and even trams for exploring the grounds.
- Formerly Included: Neverland Had An Amusement Park and A Zoo
The home was built to look like a Normandy Manor and occupies nearly 13,000 square feet. It includes multiple suites, guest quarters, a library, and a kitchen. Outside are formal gardens, ponds, lakes, and secret hideaways.
Michael Jackson left the property in 2005 after being acquitted and never returned. He continued to own it until his death in 2009. It was sold in 2020 to billionaire Ronald Burkle for $22 million. Today the home is empty, and the animals have long been relocated to new homes.
- Owned: Today, the Property Is Owned by Billionaire, Ronald Burkle
Unfortunately, Neverland is not open to the public (but one can buy it for some 10s of millions).
- Closed: Neverland is Currently Closed to The Public
While Neverland may be closed to the public, there are plenty of pictures that one can see of Michael Jackson's Neverland, plus a visit may be possible with the guided tour below.
The "Thriller" House:
One Michael Jackson-related attraction that one can see (from the road) is the "Thriller" House. It is the house that appeared in the "Thriller" and is a 3,532 square-foot Sander house. It was built in 1887.
The "Thriller" House is located in the historic housing district of Angelino Heights and was originally a 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom single-family home. In 1971 the house - along with the entire block on Carroll Street was declared a cultural-historical monument. It has been converted into a duplex-type house.
Note: This Is A Private Home, So Be Respectful if Driving By To See
- Address: 1345 Carroll Ave Los Angeles, CA 9002
Michael Jackson Forever Missed Tour
For those who would like a tour of the life and career of Michael Jackson, consider the Michael Jackson Forever Missed Tour.
This tour begins in Hollywood and Beverly Hills and explores many locations where Michael left his mark. One will see residences where Michael Jackson once lived - from his first home in LA to his last home, where he met his untimely death.
- Duration: 5 Hours
- Suggested Pickup Time: 10.00 am
- Cost: $375.00
See the elementary school he attended and the auditorium that's dedicated in his honor. Explore the recording studios where he recorded his famous albums like Thriller, Bad, and Off the Wall. The tour also explores filming locations of the famous Thriller video.
With this tour, a trip to Neverland may be possible as they say:
"Please Note: A day trip to Neverland, Los Olivos, and Santa Barbara can be arranged for another day."
Visit Museums To Learn More About Micheal Jackson
Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame
If one is passing through Cleveland in Ohio, take the time to visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Micheal Jackson became the youngest person to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2001.
- Admission: $35 General Admission
Summer Opening Hours (July to August):
- Daily: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (Thursday, Friday, Saturday to 8.00 pm)
If one is also visiting Nashville, take the time to visit the famous Country Music Hall of Fame and learn about great artists like Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, and John Denver.
The Hollywood Museum
Another place to learn about the live and legendary career of Micheal Jackson is at The Hollywood Museum. It has a special tribute to the "King of Pop." Here visitors can see the original outfit he wore on his "BAD" concert tour.
The Hollywood Museum is the official museum of Hollywood and has the largest collection of Hollywood memorabilia. Visitors can see exhibits about many of their other favored celebrities in the world. See Marilyn Monroe's million-dollar dress, Elvis' personal bathrobe, and hundreds of other costumes on display, from Star Trek to Jurassic Park to Leonardo DiCaprio.
- Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
See props, photographs, personal artifacts, posters, scripts, vintage memorabilia, and more. After visiting the museum, go behind the scenes and see how movies are made on a Universal Studios Tour.