MINNEAPOLIS-- WHO: The uncrating of Princess Dianas iconic Royal Wedding Gown.

*This opportunity is for members of the media only. Public tickets are on sale now.

WHAT: Mall of America invites you to a special viewing of the uncrating of Princess Dianas 1981 Royal Wedding Gown in preparation for the award-winning Diana: A Celebration exhibit at Mall of America, opening Saturday, Feb. 4.

One of the most iconic items on view, media will have a rare chance to see the dress up close, outside of its glass case when it is removed from its shipping crate. The multi-layered gown with more than 10,000 tiny mother-of-pearl sequins and pearls will be unveiled by art handlers who have been working with the exhibition since its inception the only two people in the world permitted to handle the dress.

From the announcement of the dress designers in March 1981 until the wedding in July, Princess Dianas dress was a highly guarded secret. The windows of the couture shop were covered in blinds, and security personnel were hired to protect the shop from those eager to scoop the design and story worth millions. Twenty-one years later, Mall of America welcomes you to come admire what is considered one of the most closely guarded fashion secrets in history.

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 1

10 a.m.

***The uncrating will take about 15 minutes after which handlers Nick Grossmark and Graeme Murton will be available for interviews. They will only speak about the dress, and photos and videos on this day are of the wedding dress only. A press preview of the entire completed exhibition will be held Friday, Feb. 3.***

WHERE: Mall of America, fourth floor exhibit space

About Diana: A Celebration

Produced by Arts & Exhibitions International and on loan from Althorp Estate, the Spencer familys ancestral home in England, the exhibition contains 150 objects from throughout Princess Dianas life, ranging from gowns to family heirlooms, personal mementos, paintings and rare home movies and photos.

About Mall of America®

Mall of America is the nations largest retail and entertainment complex. At 4.2 million square feet, MOA is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe®, the nations largest indoor family amusement park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium; Moose Mountain Adventure Golf; Theatres at Mall of America® - a 14-screen movie theater with VIP theatre and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. Follow Mall of America on Facebook and Twitter or visit our blog.

Media Contact

Jan. 19, 2012 Bridget Jewell

952-240-9565

Bridget.Jewell@moa.net

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