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News • Louisville • Kentucky • United States • 2012-06-12

A city fit for a princess!

Nearly 15 years after her death, Princess Diana’s memory still stirs interest and emotion. The award-winning exhibition, “Diana: A Celebration,” which examines the life of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, will be on display at the Frazier History Museum in Louisville September 15, 2012 through January 13, 2013.

The 7,500 sq. ft. exhibition, presented at the Frazier Museum explores the life and humanitarian work of one of the 20th century’s most remarkable women. Diana’s life is explored through nine galleries containing 150 objects, ranging from her royal wedding gown and 28 designer dresses to family jewels, heirlooms, personal mementoes, paintings, rare home movies and photos.

“Diana: A Celebration” comes to the Frazier directly from the Althorp Estate in England, the Spencer Family’s 500-year-old ancestral home, where it is on display every summer. A portion of the proceeds generated to the Althorp Estate from the exhibition, produced by Arts & Exhibitions International, benefit charitable causes including the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. A series of 150 stunning objects illustrates her life and invites the visitor to share the milestones of her many roles: as a youngster, schoolgirl and athlete; as the shy kindergarten teacher who captured the heart of the Prince and the public; as the young, ravishing royal bride; as the devoted mother, sister and daughter; and as the tireless charity advocate and spokeswoman. The strength of the Spencer women and their roots in the bucolic 500-year-old Althorp Estate form the backdrop for Diana’s formative years.

Also featured in the exhibition are family jewels, heirlooms, paintings, artifacts, photos and portraits of her ancestors, which provide historical context. Home movies filmed by her father and scenes from her childhood, her engagement to Prince Charles and the events leading up to the Royal Wedding are remembered and animated with video clips, personal possessions, photos, displays and letters. The glorious Royal Wedding gallery features her resplendent gown, diamond tiara, veil and 25 ft. train, as well as her shoes, parasol and bridesmaid’s dress, among other items. One entire section of the exhibition is devoted to Diana’s energetic and multi-faceted public life and the myriad of charities and causes she supported, including her pioneering efforts that generated awareness for AIDS, landmine victims and the homeless. A three-screened video presentation highlights the hundreds of associations that continue to benefit from her patronage and dedication. The world’s grief at her untimely death is dealt with sensitively, in a display of books of condolence and space for reflection and remembrance.

A few of the many dazzling items on display include:

28 designer dresses, suits and evening gowns worn by the Princess during her public life, accompanied by photos and details from the events at which the outfits were worn

Two diamond tiaras and other priceless family jewels

The original text of the Earl Spencer’s moving tribute to his sister at her Westminster Abbey funeral

The score and lyrics of the Elton John/Bernie Taupin composition, adapted from “Candle in the Wind”

Original heritage family paintings

Diana’s magnificent Royal Wedding gown

Public “Diana: A Celebration” ticket sales begin August 1. Special rates for groups are available. During “Diana: A Celebration,” museum operating hours will be Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesday until 8 p.m. Further exhibition details are available at www.dianaexhibition.com. Local sponsorship support comes from the Galt House Hotel, the Frazier Museum’s exclusive “Diana: A Celebration” hotel partner, which is offering special travel packages that include hotel accommodations and tickets to the exhibition. For more information on “Diana” group packages with the Galt House and other attractions, visit www.FrazierMuseum.org.

The Frazier History Museum, located on Louisville’s “Museum Row,” has the distinction of being the only place in the world outside Great Britain to permanently house and display Royal Armouries artifacts. This world-class museum provides a journey through more than 1,000 years of world and American history with ever-changing and interactive exhibits, daily performances by costumed interpreters and engaging special events and programs.

The next time you’re looking for a city fit for a princess for your groups remember to “Take a Good Look at Louisville.” To learn more about the Frazier History Museum or any of our other Original Attractions contact Kate Kane with the Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-626-5646 or email kkane@gotolouisville.com.

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