Arts & Entertainment

Diana Exhibition Opens Friday at Foxwoods

Photos by Fran Mileski Capture Exclusive Northeastern Engagement for Traveling Exhibition

"Diana, A Celebration," an award-winning exhibition that chronicles the life and work of Diana, Princess of Wales, opens Friday at Foxwoods Resort Casino’s Great Cedar Exhibition Area. It features 150 objects, ranging from Princess Diana’s royal wedding gown and 28 of her designer dresses to family heirlooms, personal mementos, paintings and rare home movies and photos.

The collection is on loan from Althorp Estate, the Spencer family’s 500-year-old ancestral home in England. This is the only northeastern stop for the exhibition, which runs through Jan. 15, 2012 at Foxwoods.

Princess Diana’s charm, beauty and grace touched people worldwide during her short and complex life. The stunning collection of her personal items invites visitors to share the milestones of her many roles, ranging from schoolgirl and athlete to kindergarten teacher and royal bride to devoted mother and charity advocate.

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One section of the exhibition is devoted to her energetic and multi-faceted public life and myriad charities and causes, including her pioneering efforts in causes surrounding AIDS, the homeless and landmines.

Information and tickets are available at www.foxwoods.com.

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Princess Diana was one of the most remarkable and most photographed women of her time. More than one billion television viewers watched the 1981 Royal Wedding.

Visitors to the exhibition may recall that historic event through Diana's resplendent wedding ensemble. It includes her gown, 25-foot train, diamond tiara, veil, shoes, parasol and bridesmaid’s dress.

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 illustrated through video clips, personal mementos, photos, displays and letters.

Throughout nine galleries, heirlooms, paintings, letters, videos and photos provide historical and personal context. Other items include designer suits and evening gowns worn by the Princess in her public life; two diamond tiaras and other priceless family jewels; the original text of the Earl Spencer’s moving tribute to his sister at the funeral in Westminister Abbey; the score and lyrics of the Elton John/Bernie Taupin composition, adapted from “Candle in the Wind;” original heritage family paintings; and books of condolences left by people throughout the world.

With this exhibition, the renowned 7,500 square-foot Great Cedar Exhibition Area – located on the private, ground level of the Great Cedar Hotel – continues its legacy of hosting world-class exhibitions. Just last year, Foxwoods welcomed the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, which sold more tickets opening weekend at Foxwoods than at its Manhattan debut.

In honor of this iconic exhibition, the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research center is inviting guests of Diana, A Celebration to browse the largest Native American museum in the world at no extra cost. Each exhibition ticket stub is good for one free entry to the acclaimed Smithsonian affiliate providing a full day of learning at Foxwoods.

On Thursdays during the exhibition, Foxwoods will offer “Royal Tea” and access to the exhibition for $36 per person. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience traditional British tea-time with an assortment of teas, finger sandwiches and cakes in the private dining room at the world-class Cedar’s Steak House from 2-4 p.m.

Proceeds from the traveling exhibition will benefit the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund.


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