DIVA opens tomorrow at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts – Media Release
The Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) will proudly open the doors to DIVA tomorrow, its debut blockbuster exhibition celebrating some of history’s most provocative and powerful divas who have shaped cultural imagination.
From show-stopping gowns and innovative design moments to rare archival material, the exhibition illuminates how divas – across genres and generations – have influenced fashion, identity and the very heartbeat of live performance. It marks an exciting new chapter for AMPA as a home for storytelling, spectacle and the preservation of Australia’s performing arts legacy.
Developed by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), this Australian exclusive features more than 250 objects including 60 spectacular costumes, jewellery, photography, art and music drawn from the V&A’s Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne’s own Australian Performing Arts Collection and loaned items from across the world.
On display from 11 December 2025 – 26 April 2026, the exhibition will showcase the performer not just as an artist, but as a trailblazer. The megawatt roll call of legendary names include 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.
Australia’s rich contributions to pop culture and “DIVAdom” come to life through standout objects drawn from the renowned Australian Performing Arts Collection. Spanning eras and genres, the exhibition showcases icons from Dame Nellie Melba and Peter Allen to Marcia Hines, Kylie Minogue, Olivia Newton-John and Kate Miller-Heidke, with Chrissy Amphlett and Dame Edna Everage also taking their place in the spotlight. Other trailblazing Australian divas include Dame Joan Sutherland, Jessica Mauboy and Amy Taylor of Amyl and the Sniffers, Reuben Kaye and Meow Meow, demonstrating the breadth, spirit and star power that define Australia’s most unforgettable performers.
From exquisite couture gowns and showstopping costumes to intimate personal items, visitors will journey through some of history’s most magnetic performers and consider how the very idea of “diva” has been redefined over time. Charting the origin and rise of the diva, from creative subversions, backlash and reign in modern times, DIVA invites visitors to go beyond the headlines to witness the artistry and adversity of these showstopping performers, fabulous agitators and agents of change, in all their glory.
Also on display will be ephemera from ‘DIVAdom’ including posters, song sheets and handwritten lyrics as well as personal objects and accessories. The voice of the diva is amplified by a sonic experience designed by world-leading sound designer Gareth Fry. An iconic and emotional soundtrack plays throughout the exhibition and includes key music by Maria Callas, Jessye Norman, Aretha Franklin and Josephine Baker to Dolly Parton, Adele, Prince, Ella Fitzgerald, Sade, Beyoncé and Madonna.
Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Karen Quinlan AM notes … “The exhibition spans generations and artforms – those who have already transformed the Australian and international arts landscape and have left a powerful legacy, and those whose careers are just approaching their zenith. All are unique in the way they inspire those around them – just like this exhibition is sure to do.”
V&A Senior Curator Kate Bailey says …“Today the word diva holds a myriad of meanings. At the heart of this exhibition is a story of iconic performers who with creativity, courage and ambition have challenged the status quo and used their voice and their art to redefine and reclaim the diva. We are thrilled to be working with the Australian Museum of Performing Arts and that this powerful story is being shared around the world. Viva La Diva!”
About the Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA)
Through treasured objects, iconic performers and a rich theatrical legacy, Arts Centre Melbourne’s newest venue, the Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA), brings stories of the stage to life. AMPA celebrates the breadth of Australia’s extraordinary performance history through captivating exhibitions, while also featuring the best from international institutions. Located in Hamer Hall on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River), AMPA will showcase the myriad stories found in the Australian Performing Arts Collection, an unmatched archive of over 850,000 objects spanning circus, dance, music, opera, theatre and popular entertainment, as well as playing host to international touring exhibitions. AMPA has been funded by significant support from Melbourne’s generous philanthropic community in addition to seed funding from the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
About the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
The V&A is a family of museums dedicated to the power of creativity. Its mission is to champion design and creativity in all its forms, advance cultural knowledge and inspire makers, creators and innovators everywhere. It has a 5,000-year-old story of creativity through exhibitions, events, educational programmes, digital experiences, conservation, research and an ever-evolving national collection of over 2.8 million objects spanning every creative discipline.
DIVA
A V&A exhibition touring the world
Presented by Arts Centre Melbourne and Victoria and Albert Museum
Australian Museum of Performing Arts
Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
11 December 2025 – 26 April 2026
Weekdays 12:00pm – 7:00pm
Weekends 10:00am – 7:00pm
For tickets and more information visit artscentremelbourne.com.au
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