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Diana Comes to Branson

A new exhibit brings the People’s Princess to the people of Branson.

Courtesy Diana—The People's Princess

Looking for something new to do in Branson? Check out Diana—The People’s Princess at the new Branson Exhibition Center (formerly the Roy Rogers Museum). The limited-engagement exhibit takes visitors through the life of the royal icon, depicting both the private and public side of the Princess of Wales. Showcasing personal items and five of Diana’s famous gowns (which were auctioned for charity at Christie’s just weeks before her death), the exhibit is an intimate glimpse at the woman who became England’s Rose.

“I fell in love with Diana when I was eight-years old,” says John Hoatson, a collector who donated more than 1,000 authentic artifacts from his personal Princess Diana collection. “I got in touch with people who knew her and have either purchased or been given over 6,000 items relating to her.”

The self-guided tour through the 26,000 sq. ft. Exhibition Center features an introductory video and themed areas including her childhood home, the Royal Engagement and Wedding, her time as a Royal, her role as “Mum”, her sense of style, her humanitarian work, and her untimely death.

The dresses, not the same as those displayed at the Precious Moments Inspiration Park in 2003, were donated by Maureen Dunkel, the owner of the world’s largest private collection of Diana’s dresses and founder of The People’s Princess Charitable Foundation. They have previously been displayed only for private charity events and briefly at the Walt Disney World Resort Complex. Five dresses are currently featured; but others from Ms. Dunkel’s extensive collection will be rotated in, periodically, throughout the run of the exhibit.

Co-owners Tony Doblin and Mark Smith, of Exhibition Dynamix and The Branson Exhibition Center, have created a unique arrangement of genuine artifacts, memorabilia and licensed imagery to tell the full story of Princess Diana in this multi-dimensional, educational and world-class exhibit.

Plan It!

What: The Branson Exhibition Center presents Diana—The People’s Princess When: Mon.–Thurs., 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri.–Sat., 9 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun., noon–6 p.m. The last tour begins one hour prior to close. Available for private parties.
Where: The Branson Exhibition Center, 3950 Green Mountain Dr., Branson
Cost: Adults, $19.95; seniors (62 and older) and college students, $17.95; children (ages 4–12), $9.95; family pack (two adults and two children), $55. Call for private party and group rates
More Info: 417-335-6611, princessdianabranson.com