Just six days after what would have been her 49th birthday, an exhibit chronicling the life and career of Whitney Houston was unveiled at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. Whitney! Celebrating The Musical Legacy Of Whitney Houston opened yesterday, showcasing a curated selection of private photos, videos, memorabilia and on-stage costumes.

Among some of the highlighted pieces, her Bible, high school diploma and yearbook, scrapbooks, choir robe from the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark, and series of stage gowns, including pieces from her My Love Is Your Love Tour designed by Italian fashion house, Dolce and Gabbana.

“We’re trying to create a story rather than just a showcase,” said Bob Santelli, Grammy Museum executive director to USA Today. “Some of these amazing photos have never been seen. We couldn’t have done this without the family. They gave us carte blanche.”

On hand to celebrate the exhibit’s opening were her brother, Gary Houston and his wife, Pat Houston (who was also Whitney’s manager), and music producer, Narada Michael Walden (who produced “How Will I Know,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “So Emotional,” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”).

Houston passed away in February 2012 after an accidental drowning in her Beverly Hilton Hotel room. The cause of death was cited to be heart failure and cocaine use. She was 48 years old.

Whitney! Celebrating The Musical Legacy Of Whitney Houston will run from now until February 2013

TAGS: Bob Santelli, Clive Davis, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Houston, Gary Houston, Grammy Museum, Los Angeles, Narada Michael Walden, Pat Houston, Whitney Houston