It’s been nearly three weeks since DIVA opened at the Denver Art Museum. As of this writing, outfits and accessories from celebrities like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Dolly Parton, Selena, Taylor Swift, Aretha Franklin, Liza Minnelli and Prince have been on full display for 19 days, whether you’ve been there to see them or not.
Fortunately, this vivid chamber of illustrious regalia will be here through the end of January. However, it should be noted that this is the show’s only stop in North America before it packs its bags and moves to Tokyo.
Even with nearly 100 other icons on display, the show is greater than the sum of its mighty parts. Originally opened in 2023 at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the exhibit explores how the term diva has changed over time, captured in the legendary looks and stories of those who so fiercely wielded the title.
“The story is about how and why this term has had different meanings, and how it has shifted,” said Kate Bailey, original curator of the show and senior curator and producer of theatre and performance at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Bailey’s vision spans nearly 200 years of cultural history and incorporates actresses, singers, showgirls and superstars from the worlds of opera, stage, film, rock, pop, and other musical genres.
Under the keen eye of Jill D’Alessandro, the Denver edition has taken on a life of its own. “I think it’s a very complex and nuanced show, and at the same time a fun show,” said D’Alessandro, director and curator of the Avenir Institute of Textile Arts and Fashion at DAM and the local show’s organizational curator. “You’re dealing with these megastars, but it’s also a microcosm of society.”
While the exhibit maintains its conceptual structure and powerful original narrative, the US version includes no less than 50 additional pieces. Most significant is the addition of five Latina artists, Celia Cruz, Yma Sumac, Carmen Miranda, María Félix, and, of course, Selena Quintanilla. “The influence of Latin music and Latin culture is too important,” said D’Alessandro, adding that the diva story is not complete without those ladies’ presence.
Exclusive items from both Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton were also added to enhance the collection’s grandeur. “We sent a loan letter to Dolly’s archive in June 2025,” said D’Alessandro. “It took a while for Dolly to approve because she didn’t like the term diva at first,” she laughed, noting that Parton’s team gladly came around to the show’s nuance.
DIVA, as an exhibit, speaks loudly. It stands in the face of the usual museum visit, all tranquility and hushed reflection. While the motions are much the same, calm contemplation can easily be traded for something a bit more vivacious. All the noise creates its own serenity, one that compels guests to see where they can fit into this splendid history that never bowed to anyone.
The Denver Art Museum is located at 100 West 14th Avenue Parkway, Denver. It is open every day from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesday going until 8 p.m.
DIVA is showing from now until January 31, 2027. Tickets are available here.
Photos by Nosferatune.
