DOYLESTOWN, PA-Tickets go on sale August 1, 2013, for From Philadelphia to Monaco: GRACE KELLY-Beyond the Icon. The Michener Art Museum in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, is the only U.S. venue for this exhibition, on view October 28, 2013, through January 26, 2014.
“We are dedicating three of our galleries to this major exhibition, and will organize a companion exhibition about the Bucks County Playhouse, where Grace made her stage debut,” says Michener Director & CEO Lisa Tremper Hanover. “Throughout the years, interest in Grace – her talent, her radiance, her individuality and her dignity – has never waned. Her hometown of Philadelphia is eager to honor this spirit.”
Muse of director Alfred Hitchcock, winner of a best actress Oscar for her performance in The Country Girl, and Princess of Monaco upon her marriage on April 18, 1956, to Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, Grace Kelly was the focus of attention and fascination throughout her life and had an enormous influence on women around the world.
This exhibition traces the unique path Grace Kelly took from Philadelphia to Monaco, inviting viewers to discover the life of Grace Kelly (1929-1982) beyond the fairy tale. This exhibition brings us up close to the stage and screen legend, fashion icon, princess, United Nations advocate for children, and international spokesperson for arts and culture. Her Philadelphia family included prominent sportsmen who introduced rowing to the region.
Drawing from Grace Kelly’s personal objects from the archives of the Palace of Monaco and the Grimaldi Forum, the exhibition illustrates her life through letters, photographs, awards, couture fashion and other personal artifacts, as well as film clips, playbills, home movies and souvenirs from her acting career.
From Philadelphia to Monaco: GRACE KELLY-Beyond the Icon is presented by the PNC Arts Alive initiative that is funded through the PNC Foundation. Generous support is provided by Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Princess Grace Foundation-USA. Additional support is provided by the Consulate General of Monaco in New York/Monaco Government Tourist Office, Fox Rothschild LLP, Thompson Lexus and the members of Friends of Grace.
Exhibition produced by the Grimaldi Forum Monaco and the James A. Michener Art Museum, based on a display at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
The museum will be open seven days a week and Thursday evenings for the duration of the exhibition. Due to the anticipated popularity of From Philadelphia to Monaco: Grace Kelly, Beyond the Icon, the Michener will be using a timed ticket entry system for non-members. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended, and available only at www.MichenerArtMuseum.org or by calling 800-595-4849. Advance tickets will not be sold at the museum. Museum admission tickets will be sold for specific dates and times during the run of the exhibition. Every effort will be made to accommodate visitors without timed tickets; however visitors may experience delays in entering the museum. Tickets include admission to all the museum galleries and are free for members and children under 6; adults $18; seniors $17; college students with valid ID $16; ages 6-18 $8.
Museum members enjoy priority entry and do not need timed tickets.
The James A. Michener Art Museum is located at 138 South Pine St., Doylestown, Pa. Museum hours: For the duration of From Philadelphia to Monaco: Grace Kelly- Beyond the Icon, the Michener will be open Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday noon to 5 pm and Thursday evening until 8:30 pm. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. For more information, visit www.michenerartmuseum.org or call 215-340-9800.