A new performing arts museum is opening soon, and welcoming visitors with an Australian exclusive exhibition. Celebrate some of the most powerful and provocative divas in history, from 19th century opera legends to modern day superstars. See over 250 objects, including 60 costumes, as well as jewellery, photographs, art and music. The DIVA exhibition will be on display at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) from December 11 to April 26.
DIVA exhibition at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts
This exhibition was developed by the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London. It features pieces from Art Centre Melbourne’s own Australian Performing Arts Collection, as well as loaned items from around the world.
See plenty of familiar names, including Maria Callas, Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, Dame Nellie Melba, Grace Jones, Cher, Prince, Tina Turner, Elton John, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Adele, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, P!nk, Bjork, Billie Eilish and more.
As you go through the exhibition, you’ll explore how divas can inspire the world around them, and how the meaning of the word ‘diva’ has been redefined and embraced over time.
“DIVA is the perfect exhibition to launch our Australian Museum of Performing Arts,” said Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Karen Quinlan AM. “The V&A’s deeply thoughtful and exciting exploration of the concept of the diva will enthral visitors and I know they will come from near and far to see it.”
Highlights include:
- A stage ensemble worn by Maria Callas in the Convent Garden Opera Company production of Norma (1952)
- A fringed black dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in Some Like it Hot (1959)
- A Louis XIV-inspired look worn by Elton John for his 50th birthday celebration (1997)
- Rihanna’s Papal look for The Met Gala (2018)
- Whitney Houston’s black and gold dress, worn to receive her three Grammy Awards for The Bodyguard soundtrack (1994)
- Lady Gaga’s periwinkle blue Valentino couture ballgown for The Golden Globes (2019)
- Kylie Minogue’s red outfit for her Padam Padam video (2023)
You’ll also see posters, song sheets, handwritten lyrics, personal objects and accessories. As you go, you’ll listen to an emotional soundtrack designed by Gareth Fry, which features key music by Aretha Franklin, Dolly Parton, Adele, Ella Fitzgerald, Beyoncé, Madonna and more.
Key details:
📅December 11 to April 26
🕒Weekdays from 12pm to 7pm, and weekends from 10am to 7pm
🎫$30 for adults, $28 concession and $19 for children aged 5 to 15
📍Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank VIC 3004
For tickets and more information, click here.