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DIVA
DIVA celebrated the power and creativity of iconic performers, exploring and redefining the role of 'diva' and how this has been subverted or embraced over time across opera, stage, popular music, and film.
This exhibition is now closed at V&A South Kensington
Exhibition highlights
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Costume, designed by Christian Dior, worn by Vivien Leigh as Paola in Jean Giraudoux's play 'Duel of Angels', Apollo Theatre, 1958
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Photograph of Theda Bara as Cleopatra for film the 'Cleopatra', 1917
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Screenprint of Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol, 1967
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Cher, Elton John and Diana Ross at Rock Awards Santa Monica Civic Auditorium 1975, various locations, Mark Sullivan 70's Rock Archive
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Whitney Houston performing at Wembley Arena, London 5 May 1988
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Sketch of Flame dress for Tina Turner by Bob Mackie, 1977
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Grace Jones with flowers at the Drury Lane Theatre, London, October 1981
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Lizzo wearing faux-ermine dress with 'Don't Be a Drag Just Be a Queen' sash by Viktor&Rolf, New York City, 2021
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Portrait of Adelina Patti, by Franz Winterhalter, about 1865 – 70
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Photograph of Maria Callas in Verdi's opera La Traviata at Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, 1958, England
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Elton John 50th birthday look with wig and boat hat, designed by Sandy Powell, 1997
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Photographic negative, Billie Holiday at her only ever London appearance at the Albert Hall. Jack Parnell band backing her, photographed by Harry Hammond, England, 1954
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Features
Inside the DIVA exhibition
Inside the DIVA exhibition
The stage is set – take a look inside the DIVA exhibition
Redefining the diva
Redefining the diva
From the rise of the operatic prima donna in the 16th century to today, we explore the reinvention, challenges and redefinition of the diva
Diva playlist
Diva playlist
Experience the greatest divas of all time, and add your own to our playlist
Whitney Houston's dress for the 1994 Grammy Awards
Whitney Houston's dress for the 1994 Grammy Awards
Take a close-up look at the glittering dress that was worn by Whitney Houston at the Grammy Awards in 1994
Costume for Salome, performed by the Ballets Russes
Costume for Salome, performed by the Ballets Russes
Take a closer look at the risqué costume designed for Tamara Karsavina in her role as Salome, performed by the Ballet Russes in 1913
Opera divas
Opera divas
The original divas – meet opera's leading ladies
Exclusive exhibition-inspired jewellery, accessories, books and more. Every purchase supports the V&A.
Shop the DIVA range
DIVA
With additional support from
