DIVA at Denver Art Museum Showcases Costumes Worn by 100 Iconic Performers
A gown in the opening opera section sets the scene for “DIVA” at the Denver Art Museum. The exhibition brings together clothing and costumes worn by nearly 100 performers, tracing how talent, style and reinvention have shaped their public identities. On view in the Hamilton Building through Jan. 31, Denver is the exhibition’s only U.S. stop on a six-museum tour. The galleries follow a broadly chronological path from opera stars of the 1830s through theater, dance, Hollywood and contemporary music. With about 30% more space than the original London presentation, curator Jill D’Alessandro and her team added 50 pieces, including seven videos. They also expanded the Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift sections and added Latina performers. The 240 objects include Barbra Streisand’s costume from “Funny Girl,” Whitney Houston’s 1994 Grammy Awards dress and Janelle Monáe’s pants from the “Pynk” music video. A 1977 flame dress designed by Bob Mackie for Tina Turner dates to a time when she was preparing to launch her solo career. Freddie Mercury, Elton John, Prince and Lil Nas X appear alongside the predominantly female cast. Headsets play music and film audio near many displays, and visitors can take a quiz matching them with a performer. “DIVA” requires a ticket separate from general museum admission.
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