If you’re a fan of the British royals (or even just the Netflix series “The Crown”), you’ll probably want to check out the Princess Diana exhibit at The Shops at Crystals. Located on the third floor next to the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit, this is an worthwhile daytime activity (open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) if you’re looking to take a break from the crowds and noise of the casinos.
The exhibit occupies more than 10,000 square feet and boasts 700-plus artifacts related to Diana and the royal family. It’s organized into three main collections: “Wedding of the Century,” “Fashion Icon,” and “Royal Obsession.” It traces her life from her own family’s background of nobility through her school days, her whirlwind courtship with Charles, her life as princess, and her tragic death. The exhibit also follows her children, Prince William and Prince Harry, into adulthood; like most modern media accounts, the exhibit tends to subtly favor William.
Artifacts include her school papers, some memorabilia from her 1981 wedding (a piece of wedding cake, a seating chart from the wedding reception, an official pass to Clarence House where Diana prepared for her wedding day), historic royal textiles, and seven evening gowns, reportedly the largest collection on display anywhere. You can also get glimpses of her less serious side, such as store-bought birthday cards she sent to friends (including one to pop star George Michael).
My wife, a former archivist, had some technical criticisms. For example, many of the labels were either missing, difficult to read, or crooked and most of the gowns, tiaras, and Diana’s wedding dress on display are re-creations (which wasn’t clearly indicated).
We purchased the timed-entry tickets, which required a little advance planning, but it wasn’t at all crowded when we went (10 a.m. on a Friday morning), so I can’t imagine that walk-up tickets weren’t available. A VIP ticketing option is available, with all-day entry and an audio headset, but we found that wasn’t necessary. Some visitors might like the context of and untold stories behind the artifacts that the audio provides.
Tickets are $32.95 base and just a $2.50 booking fee, $35.45 total, with discounts for 55+, military, locals, and children (6-12). Photography and videography are allowed without flash and you can use the hashtag #vegaslovesdiana for a 10% discount in the gift shop.
All in all, we enjoyed the exhibit and were glad that we went. It’s definitely worth an hour of your time if you’re at all interested in Diana, British royalty, or a distinctly non-Vegas experience.