Now Open: The Australian Museum of Performing Arts – a must-see for stage lovers
Where icons, costumes, and creative courage shine centre stage.
The stage is a place of transformation — where sequins shimmer, spotlights burn bright and performers become icons. Now, Melbourne has a brand new home where those stories live on. On 11 December 2025, Arts Centre Melbourne opens the doors to the Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA), and it all begins with DIVA — a global blockbuster celebrating the performers who have shaped culture across generations.
Introducing the Australian Museum of Performing Arts
The Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) brings the world of performance to life through treasured objects, unforgettable stories and an extraordinary archive of more than 850,000 items spanning theatre, dance, opera, circus, music and popular entertainment. Located inside Hamer Hall, on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River), the new museum finally gives these incredible stories a permanent and beautifully curated home.
These are stories once hidden in storerooms — now shining in world-class exhibitions that you can only see in Melbourne.
First Impressions & What to Expect
I attend the opening of AMPA and step into an exhibition that feels vibrant, thoughtful and wonderfully intimate. As Karen Quinlan reminds us during the launch, “Art is essential to life.” And standing inside this museum, it absolutely feels true.
Costumes, Characters and Cultural Icons
For each seasonal exhibition, AMPA will draw from the Australian Performing Arts Collection – an extraordinary archive of more than 850,000 objects. That includes:
- Iconic costumes from stars like Kylie Minogue, Nick Cave, and Hugh Jackman
- Memorabilia from The Australian Ballet, Circus Oz, Opera Australia, and Melbourne Theatre Company
- Rare artefacts from the worlds of music, dance, theatre, opera, circus, and popular entertainment
Until now, many of these treasures have lived behind the scenes. It’s time they take centre stage.
A Love Letter to the Performing Arts
Every exhibition at AMPA is carefully curated to celebrate the art of performance. Expect storytelling at its finest – personal, playful, and powerful.
Alongside Australia’s own gems, you’ll also find world-class exhibitions from international museums and galleries, making AMPA a destination for locals and visitors alike.
Opening Exhibition: DIVA Takes Centre Stage
Developed by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), DIVA celebrates the creativity, courage, resilience and sheer magnetism of performers who have shaped the world around them.
This Australian-exclusive exhibition brings together more than 250 objects, including over 60 spectacular costumes, along with jewellery, photography, music, ephemera and personal items. It features global superstars and cultural game changers across decades — from Maria Callas, Cher and Tina Turner to Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Whitney Houston, Prince, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Adele, P!nk, Björk and many more.
V&A Senior Curator Kate Bailey describes DIVA as a deep exploration of the performer as a trailblazer — someone who challenges the status quo and uses their voice to shift culture.
11 December 2025 – 26 April 2026, Monday to Friday, 12pm–7pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am–7pm
ENCORE! Opening in June 2026
Following DIVA, AMPA will present its second major exhibition, ENCORE!, opening 10 June 2026. Marking 50 years of the Australian Performing Arts Collection, it will showcase fifty iconic objects from across five decades — from Dame Nellie Melba’s opera cloak to Ella Havelka’s ballet shoes — celebrating the stories, stars and stagecraft that have shaped Australian performance history.
Whether you’re a theatre tragic, a music lover, or just a curious culture buff, this is one Melbourne experience you won’t want to miss.
Part of a Bigger Picture: Melbourne’s Arts Precinct Transformation
The opening of AMPA is just one act in a much bigger production.
It’s complemented by the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation – a $1.7 billion city-shaping project set to redefine how we experience arts and culture in Melbourne. Stretching from Federation Square to Southbank, the transformation includes new public gardens, enhanced accessibility, and stunning new venues – all designed to connect and celebrate creativity.
At its heart is The Fox: NGV Contemporary, soon to be the largest contemporary art gallery in Australia. Just next door, AMPA will add the sights, sounds and stories of performance, bringing the city’s artistic history to life in a way that’s never been done before.
Together, these projects will create a vibrant, walkable arts precinct – one that welcomes everyone and puts Melbourne’s cultural spirit on show for the world.
Laak Boorndap: A Garden Trail Connecting Melbourne’s Cultural Icons
Opening in 2028, Laak Boorndap—meaning “Heaven’s Beauty” in the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung language—is set to become the green heart of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct. Spanning 18,000 square metres, this elevated urban garden will create a lush, biodiverse corridor connecting The Fox: NGV Contemporary, NGV International, Arts Centre Melbourne, and the Southbank Theatre .
Designed by international firms Hassell and SO-IL, alongside horticulturalists Nigel Dunnett and James Hitchmough, and plant expert Jac Semmler, Laak Boorndap will feature a dynamic mix of native and international flora, public art installations, and tranquil water features. The garden will also host contemporary artworks, including commissions by First Peoples artists, fostering a space where nature, art, and culture intertwine .
As visitors journey through Laak Boorndap, they’ll experience a seamless blend of Melbourne’s rich cultural institutions and natural beauty, culminating in a vibrant, accessible space that celebrates the city’s artistic spirit.
Side Trip
- Head into the Australian Music Vault located at the main Theatres Building of Arts Centre Melbourne (under the spire) for a free exhibition on Australian music history.
- Nearby restaurants we recommend include Hophaus, Riverland Bar and Chocolate Buddha.
Tips for visiting AMPA
- A cloakroom is available at the Hamer Hall main foyer, off St Kilda Road. Ideal if you’re heading in with coats, umbrellas or shopping bags.
- The entrance to AMPA is from ground level, St Kilda Road, around the corner from the Hamer Hall main foyer and box office.
- Look out for the Star Trail plaques, which have kid-friendly, readable information and questions to ponder over. The exhibition would be suitable for older kids, as it’s not very engaging or interactive for little ones.
- Bundle Tickets: You can save up to 20% when booking combined tickets for DIVA + ENCORE! (AMPA’s second exhibition opening June 2026).
AMPA Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible with entrance at ground level
- Companion Card recognised
- Open captioned content
- Accessible bathrooms
Australian Museum of Performing Arts
Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
For ticketing enquiries and bookings: call 1300 182 183
For administration enquiries: call (03) 9281 8000
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
