Michael Jackson exhibition extended

The Michael Jackson exhibition at the O2 is being extended because of huge public demand.

Michael Jackson: The Official Exhibition showcases some of the most personal and iconic memorabilia from the late King of Pop's extraordinary life.

The run at the O2 Bubble venue in London has now been extended to February 28.

Copyright © 2010 The Press Association. All rights reserved.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5h609Y0tSllkNe9y4Fa446ZEJ1iLw

You lucky buns, you!

Yay i'm a Bun!! :)

^ same! maybe i'll go twice....

Huge public demand...? it was practically empty when I went on the opening day

going next sunday with Michaela :D really excited!!

‘This Is It’ Exhibition

http://www.mjworld.net/images/features/exhibition1.jpg

We are both filled with apprehension, what will today be like? A day consumed by varying emotions, sadness, joy, wonderment and things to nurture our minds with ‘memory pieces’.

Never did we think we would be attending the O2 Arena to visit ‘The Michael Jackson Official Exhibition’ followed by ‘This Is It’ at the cinema. Our first visit to this grand arena should have been to marvel at the talent and genius that is Michael Jackson. It is fitting though that this is the place to come and walk the steps into the main entrance that The Man took not so long ago, was that only March?

There is a short queue of people entering the exhibition at the time slot we have; behind us a young boy in a wheelchair is wearing a trademark fedora style hat and clutching a cushion with MJ’s image on it. He is smiling constantly… a reminder of what Michael was all about … love and inspiration.

Walking in after the obligatory security checks, there is a sea of beautiful red flowers, roses, gerberas, carnations and other varieties with black curtains as the backdrop, a welcome mark of respect we feel.

They show a short film of Michael singing a medley of songs, our eyes are stinging with tears already but we are intrigued to see Michaels’ treasures and other personal possessions.

It starts from the very beginning with the original Motown contract for the Jackson 5 and several gold records they received for songs, including ‘Rockin’ Robin’ and ‘The Love You Save’.

There are huge poster pictures of Michael throughout the exhibition, several of which we wanted to take home with us and Michael’s music is played constantly!

We were very surprised but pleased to see that a lot of the items such as Michael’s clothes are not all behind glass and you are close enough to be astounded by the design of some of his trademark military style jackets. So many of our favourites are there like the shirt from ‘Ghosts’, the ‘Beat It’ coat from the ‘HIStory’ tour, the ‘Jam’ jacket and the gold jumpsuit worn during several songs on the ‘Dangerous’ tour.

For fans of ‘Smooth Criminal’ there is a pair of the boots Michael intended to wear performing that incredible lean (size XL), first seen in ‘Moonwalker’ and then during live concerts, along with the design diagram of the boots and of course the cool suit and fedora Michael wore.

Michael’s love of sparkle is evident throughout; a case of his trademark gloves along with Michael’s copy of a book called ‘The Love of the Glove’, by C Cody Collins (1945) probably explains his love of the single glove.

As you walk through the exhibition you are taken on a journey through Michael’s life and career; there are many of his prestigious awards which emphatically illustrate what an absolute genius he was, plus an original transcript penned by Michael of the lyrics to ‘Beat It’.

There is a small taste of Neverland with several items from Michael’s Santa Ynez ranch including the original archway with Neverland inscribed on it, a beautiful piano, a statue from the gardens and Michael’s fantastic midnight blue Rolls Royce, which is stunning. We were enthralled with a selection of Michael’s jewellery including belts, broaches and other beautiful pieces. One favourite item in this section was the striking brocade tail jacket which Michael wore in Annie Leibovitz’s photographs from ‘Dancing The Dream’…absolutely stunning!

A few items from a selection of Michael’s most famous short films are also included, such as the rocket from ‘Leave Me Alone’, a chair, space ship and two of the guitars from ‘Scream’. The highlight in this section was the HUGE picture of Michael being toasted at the beginning of ‘Jam’ on the ‘Dangerous’ tour! Magical!

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The final section is probably the most emotional of all as it includes all of the costumes Michael would have worn for ‘This Is It’, like a new jacket for ‘Thriller’, some outfits for the ghosts, alongside the biggest, mechanical spider you may imagine! We just want to say his costumes are absolutely breathtaking and all teamed with the most beautiful loafers and spats, which all bear a gold MJ insignia on the inner soles. These are real state of the art outfits as there were going to include a lot of firsts for Michael and according to the designer Michael was amazed with the innovative ideas. Check out this link for more information in a report from the LA Times.

There is also a replica model of the stage set which had been designed for ‘This Is It’ series of concerts which included cages that looked like huge chandeliers, to be used by aerialists inspired by Cirque de Soleil! There was also a bed! Hmm, what was that to be used for? There were several of Michael’s short films which sprang to mind, ‘Billie Jean’, no, that is a classic event in itself, ‘Who Is It?’ Even the ‘This Is It’ film doesn’t reveal where that was going to be used, until now it was a mystery. Michael’s musical director Michael Bearden has revealed this was to be used for ‘Dirty Diana’ with Michael on the bed with his guitarist, Orianthi!

As with any Michael event we have attended over the years, visitors from many nations and generations were represented in the crowd, as they slowly and very respectfully made their way through the exhibition. We smiled as we watched children dancing, copying Michael’s moves in front of video screens, knowing that he has reached yet another new generation of fans. How sad they will no longer be able to taste the ‘MAGIC’ live! Most people read the exhibit descriptions intently, quietly exchanging thoughts or asking the unassuming attendants questions.

The exhibition closes on a poignant note as you are met by a row of red condolence books ready for you to sign, which will eventually be given to Michael’s family. As children, mums, dads, and visitors stopped to add their messages of remembrance, we were momentarily lost for words as there was so much we wanted to say; Michael has been a huge part of our lives for what seems a lifetime! He gave us inspiration, incredible music, entertainment and tender memories of a handsome man with a gorgeous, loving soul, for which we give thanks. As tears fell, we added our inscriptions…we guess like most of you, we are finding it surreal and frankly unfair that the world has lost Michael’s genius. ‘Gone Too Soon’!

The last item before you leave says it all, a single Swarskovski encrusted glove that was destined for ‘This Is It’.

For those who have always been intrigued by Michael Jackson this exhibition gives you a glimpse into his artistic achievements, a tiny peek of Michael himself and embraces the legacy of a life devoted to entertainment and humanity.

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As for THE fans…UNMISSIBLE!

Written by Michele Cohen & Lyn Dawber

Exhibition photographs by Michele Cohen

Source

http://www.mjworld.net/features/this-is-it-exhibition/

I went on opening day after I watched TII premiere in London at the Exhibit is where I met Miko Brando. :D

That's great- but when it's finished there it needs to come here...... just saying. LOL

:hapnod:
And then MJ's exhibition can come on to South Africa too please

Mike on the bed with Orianthi????????

Holy cat p-ss why why why don't I live in London? :tear:

I went on opening day after I watched TII premiere in London at the Exhibit is where I met Miko Brando. :D
You're so lucky! What did you two talk about?

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AT MICHAEL JACKSON: THE OFFICIAL EXHIBITION

To all guests of Michael Jackson: The Official Exhibition

THE OFFICIAL EXHIBITION CLOSES FEBRUARY 28TH - LAST CHANCE TO SEE IN EUROPE!

Michael Jackson: The Official Exhibition finally closes it's doors on Sunday 28th February, and to mark the end of it's European run, don't miss these exclusive offers:


KIDS GO FREE DURING HALF TERM!

Buy one adult ticket between February 13th and 21st and receive one FREE child ticket. Save up to £16.25!

Offer valid: Saturday 13th February until Sunday 21st February.

*One FREE child ticket with a full price adult ticket . Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.

*A child ticket includes 6-16 year olds.

Tickets available from:-
The O2 box office or
online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or
Telephone 0844 847 1643


RECEIVE A LIMITED EDITION SOUVENIR EXHIBITION TICKET!

Buy any ticket for the last week between Feb 22nd - 28th and receive a limited edition lenticular ticket (subject to availability).

Simply show your ticket at the exhibition box office on arrival.

*Offer not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.

*Limited lenticular tickets are subject to availability. First come first served.

*Only one lenticular ticket per person.

*Offer valid from Monday 22nd Feb until Sunday 28th inclusive.


LEARN TO DANE LIKE MICHAEL JACKSON AND SEE THE EXHIBITION FOR FREE!

Tuesday 16th February - join one of the best choreographers in the business and learn Michael Jackson's signature moves! Dance tickets also ensure free entry into the Exhibition and the best dancer wins Michael Jackson merchandise!

JOIN ONE OF THE BEST CHOREOGRAPHERS IN THE BUSINESS, MARK 'SWARF' CALAPE - FOUNDER OF THE ANIMANEAX DANCE CREW - AND LEARN TO DANCE LIKE MICHAEL JACKSON PLUS GAIN FREE ENTRY TO MICHAEL JACKSON: THE OFFICIAL EXHIBITION.

*BEST DANCER WINS MICHAEL JACKSON MERCHANDISE*

Learn Michael Jackson's signature moves * 60 minute dance workshops * Open to all ages * For beginners and experienced dancers *

Mark Calape is one of the UK's most recognised dance teachers, who has worked with: Lavelle Smith Junior (one of Michael's choreographers) * Jay Sean * Sugababes * Into The Hoods * Pied Piper * Nelson Mandela's birthday event * National Television Awards and 'So You Think You Can Dance'

Where:
indigO2 at The O2

Times:
12pm - 1pm; 1.30pm - 2.30pm; 3pm - 4pm

www.theo2.co.uk/indigo2

Book workshop tickets below:-

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/12004448D97658D2?brand=theo2 -
then choose your preferred timeslot.

Show your Learn To Dance Like Michael Jackson ticket at The Official Exhibition to gain free entry.

Times: 10am - 6.30pm (galleries close at 7.30pm)

* Exhibition is timed entry and subject to next available timeslot.
* This ticket is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion.
* This ticket is only valid on 16th February 2010.


FOR FULL DETAILS AND ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS GO TO:-
www.michaeljacksonexhibition.co.uk

Mike on the bed with Orianthi????????

That's what I said. What the heck? LOL!! :mellow: