Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Elvis Presley, and others have had their homes converted into museums
The former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Mark Okraku-Mantey, has proposed that the East Legon residence of the late Highlife legend Daddy Lumba should be converted into a public museum rather than kept solely as a family home.
He believes transforming the property into a heritage attraction would not only preserve the musician’s legacy but also create a sustainable source of income for the family.
In his view, keeping the house strictly for private use would be a missed opportunity.
So, could Lumba’s home be turned into a museum? Yes.
Across the world, the homes of several music legends have been transformed into museums where fans visit to learn, reflect and connect with their stories. Musicians live forever through their songs and lyrics, but some leave behind more than music, they leave legacies that deserve to be preserved.
Here are five music legends whose private homes were turned into museums to honour their lives and work:
Fela Kuti
Fela Kuti’s former home in Lagos now serves as the Kalakuta Republic Museum. The Lagos State Government converted his residence at No. 8 Gbemisola Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja into a public space managed by Total Consults Limited.
Inside, visitors find more than 3,000 of Fela’s outfits, including his iconic pants, dozens of shoes, album covers and personal items.
Bob Marley
Bob Marley’s home at 56 Hope Road in St Andrew, Jamaica now the Bob Marley Museum, holds a special place in Reggae history.
Bob Marley lived there from 1975 until his passing in 1981. His wife Rita Marley turned the property into a museum, preserving the treasures, instruments and memories of the Reggae legend.
It is one of Jamaica’s most visited cultural sites, offering fans an intimate look at the life of one of the world’s most influential musicians.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, stands as one of the most famous musician homes ever preserved.
The mansion served as his residence from 1957 until his death in 1977. Today, it is a major tourist attraction, drawing fans from across the world.
Elvis is buried there, along with several family members. His impact on 20th-century music and global pop culture is reflected in the popularity of Graceland, which contributes an estimated $150 million to Memphis’ economy each year.
The estate was added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 1991, and by 2020 its value was believed to be between $400 million and $500 million.
The Allman Brothers Band
The Allman Brothers Band also has a historic home turned museum. The Big House in Macon, Georgia, once housed the band members, their families and close friends in the early 1970s.
In 2009, it officially became The Allman Brothers Band Museum, offering an interactive experience where visitors can explore the group’s history, music and stories connected to the house where their artistic journey took shape.
Prince
Prince’s Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minnesota, is another example of a musician’s home preserved for public memory.
The house built in 1988, this 65,000-square-foot complex served as Prince’s private residence, recording studio and creative sanctuary.
It includes recording spaces, a nightclub and rehearsal rooms. Paisley Park now operates as a public museum and event venue, opening its doors to fans who want to experience the atmosphere where Prince lived, worked and created until his passing in 2016.
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