‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination’
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
What do works by Versace have in common with papal robes? The latest exhibit by the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) explores this question by comparing Catholic vestments with the creations of modern designers. “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” showcases medieval religious art and clothing and contrasts them with the fashions they inspired at the Met’s Anna Wintour Costume Center and the Met Cloisters.
The cornerstone of the exhibit includes 40 ecclesiastical masterworks from the Sistine Chapel sacristy, many of which have never been seen outside the Vatican. These garments encompass more than 15 papacies from the 18th century to the early 21st century. The Vatican last sent a comparably sized loan in 1983 for “The Vatican Collections” exhibition, which remains the museum’s third-most-visited show.
To contrast with the liturgical garments, attendees can compare more than 150 chosen ensembles, primarily womenswear, from the early 20th century to the present. Designers include Yves Saint Laurent, the House of Dior and Versace. Groups can view these modern fashions at the Met Cloisters. Exhibit planners chose this location so groups could look for similarities between the religious artworks of the nearby Byzantine and medieval galleries and the religious-inspired modern fashions.
The Met is the largest art museum in the United States. Its permanent collection houses works from classical antiquity to modern art. “Heavenly Bodies” will be on exhibit there through October 8.
Elvis Presley’s Memphis
Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee
Since 1982, thousands of Elvis Presleys sat in the Graceland Archives’ storage area because there wasn’t enough space to display them. That changed in March 2017 when Graceland welcomed guests into its newest exhibit complex: Elvis Presley’s Memphis.
Now visitors can not only see inside Presley’s famous Graceland mansion but also learn stories surrounding his path to fame, his influences and his artistry at the new museum space. The largest expansion in the museum’s history, the $45 million complex covers 40 acres.
Among the new additions is the Presley Motors Automobile Museum, which displays more than 20 of Presley’s automobiles, including his iconic pink Cadillac. At “Icons: The Influence of Elvis Presley,” groups can explore how the King of Rock influenced music from Bruce Springsteen to James Brown.
Guests can also examine a sampling of Presley’s famous outfits, artifacts from his time in the Army and rarely seen childhood photos. The 20,000-square-foot Graceland Soundstage A can entertain visitors with Elvis movies and concerts inspired by the King.
Groups can tour on their own or book the Ultimate VIP experience for an exclusive tour and access to the Ultimate Lounge. The Elvis Discovery Exhibits will rotate themed displays as part of the experience. Currently planned for later this year is an exhibit on Elvis’ connection to gospel music and his relationship with his daughter, Lisa Marie.
