What do Nick Cave’s handwritten journal, Kylie Minogue’s iconic gold hot pants, and Peter Allen’s maracas have in common? They are all part of the extraordinary collection that has found a new home at Melbourne’s brand new Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA).
Located at Arts Centre Melbourne’s beloved Hamer Hall, overlooking the Yarra River, AMPA promises to immerse visitors in Australia’s glittering performing arts legacy. From circus spectacles and operatic grandeur to theatrical masterpieces and pop culture throwbacks, the museum will showcase over 850,000 treasured items from the nation’s largest performing arts collection.
Visitors and Victorians alike will get the chance to marvel at extraordinary items, including Dame Edna Everage's ostentatious ‘Scream Dress', Dame Nellie Melba’s exquisite silk stage cloak, and Bon Scott’s leather jacket. Additionally, memorable props and sets from legendary Australian productions such as Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Summer of the Seventeenth Doll will also be on display.
AMPA will launch in phases, initially unveiling almost 500 square metres of exhibition space in December 2025, with a future expansion planned to reach approximately 800 square metres. The museum will blend exclusive pieces from its permanent collection with internationally acclaimed touring exhibitions, enhancing Melbourne's standing as a cultural powerhouse.
Mark your calendars for September, as that's when AMPA's inaugural exhibition will be announced. You can also stay tuned for more details on the Arts Centre Melbourne website here.
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