Diana, Princess of Wales, Reigns Again—at the Mall of America

Diana, A Celebration exhibit,  opened Feb. 4 at the Mall of America, devoted to the life of Diana Spencer (1961-1997). Lady Diana went on to marry Prince Charles in 1981. Diana was 20 years old and Charles was 32. The exhibit is on loan from the Spencer estate in England.

I was privileged to speak with the Art Handlers for this extraordinary exhibit, Mr. Graeme Myrton and Mr. Nick Grossmark, who worked with Diana's brother, Charles Spencer, to bring the all-authentic exhibit to the Mall. These two very congenial Londoners provided much insight into Diana's life and the exhibit itself, which takes up a large area of the fourth level, East Side of the Mall. It took several weeks to build the area into galleries and arrange for the many valuable heavy glass cases where items are displayed with much security and temperatures monitored.

There are over 150 objects in nine galleries.  Of course, the most prestigious is Diana's wedding dress, complete with her full train of 25 feet, displayed in a very large glass case, along with her wedding shoes, diamond tiara, parasol, clutch handbag and a bridesmaid's dress. This is the first time Diana's full train has been on display, due to the long length and space demanded of it. After marrying Prince Charles, Diana became known for her clothes, more than her charitable work. In the wedding dress gallery, there are over 28 mannequins dressed in designer dresses, suits, gowns and hats, along with well-known pictures of Diana in these clothes. For someone who was an impressive 5'9", she wore her clothes very well, many times in flat shoes, so as not to tower over Charles. None of these stilettos as are out there today.

Diana Spencer was born into wealth as a daughter from one of Britain's great aristocratic dynasties. One of the galleries contains items from Diana's childhood: toys, scrapbooks, albums, ballerina slippers, and much more. It was interesting to see how many of the keepsakes were much like those we as parents keep of our youngsters today. Of course, we don't keep them thinking they will end up in glass cases in an exhibit going around the world. 

Throughout the exhibition, videos are running, showing Diana as child all the way through her wedding day. There are cases displaying hers, and her family's jewels that include tiaras, lots of gems, and items representing her charitable work. The exhibit includes a condolence-type library gallery, along with a gift shop.

As art handler Graeme Myrton indicated, Lady Di's charitable work continues; he iterated that he found Americans are the most charitable people he has known  That was nice to hear. The whole exhibit was inspiring and brought back memories of a time of many headlines, happy and sad.

Proceeds from the exhibition will go to Diana's charities. The exhibit will continue until June 10, 2012 on the fourth level of the Mall, during Mall hours. Tickets can be purchased at any of the four guest service desks on first level entrances or Ticketmaster.

There are VIP tickets available for $23.50 that are date specific and grant immediate access.  Adults begin at $21.50 with seniors over 62 are $17.50.  Children under 12 at $13.50.  For more information, you may call the Mall of America at 952-883-8800 or check MallofAmerica.com.