DIVA Exhibition Review @ Auckland Museum

Exhibition open at Auckland War Memorial Museum from the 28th June to 19th October 2025, for more info and tickets: click here.

Lights, Camera, Diva!

There’s only one word to describe Auckland Museum’s newest exhibition: fabulous.

Luckily, I have 250 to gush about Diva in all its glory. The star-studded walk of fame paints a bold, beautiful portrait of the women - and men - who’ve earned true diva status.

Direct from London’s V&A Museum, Diva marks its first showing outside Europe. It’s a dazzling 280-piece collection that, quite literally, speaks to you, with over-ear headphones guiding your journey.

The word diva first entered our ears 400 years ago and has evolved ever since. The exhibition explores its operatic origins and modern-day reclaiming as a symbol of empowerment and unapologetic self-expression through two distinct acts.

“Divas inspire other divas,” curator Kate Bailey reflects. That legacy is on full display - from icons like Whitney Houston, Madonna, and Marilyn Monroe to global powerhouses like Björk, Freddie Mercury, and Lata Mangeshkar.

As for notable omissions like Donna Summer or Cyndi Lauper? “It’s a jigsaw puzzle,” Bailey explains - some stories simply couldn’t fit, and tough calls had to be made.

While names like Rihanna, Elton John, and Nina Simone sparkle, Bailey admits a soft spot for lesser-known trailblazer Theda Bara, one of Cleopatra’s earliest stars.

Bailey also highlights the contrast between old-school rebel Debbie Harry, Blondie’s very own, and today’s Billie Eilish: “Debbie punched her way through the ’70s. Billie speaks to a new generation, is innovative in how she communicates, and owns who she is.”

Diva is bold and moving and reignites the essence of what it all really means. I highly recommend it.