A treasure trove of priceless items tracing Australia’s performing arts history is about to go on show, as work gets underway on the new Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) at Arts Centre Melbourne.
Announced by the state on Monday, May 12, the AMPA will be a new exhibition space for the Melbourne Arts Precinct that will enable Victorians and visitors to explore Australia’s history in music, dance, theatre, circus and opera like never before.
An Australian-first, AMPA will be the public face of the Australian Performing Arts Collection – more than 850,000 costumes, props, programs, posters and other artefacts valued at close to $80 million, cared for by Arts Centre Melbourne.
The Australian Performing Arts Collection has largely been kept in storage since it was established in 1975.
At AMPA, Victorians and visitors will be able view such iconic pieces as Peter Allen’s maracas, Nick Cave’s visual journal, Kylie Minogue’s iconic gold hot pants and items from luminaries like Joan Sutherland, Chrissy Amphlett, AC/DC and the Australian Ballet.
Arts Centre Melbourne chief executive Karen Quinlan said that she is “so pleased to be bringing to life the long-held vision to make the riches of the Australian Performing Arts Collection more accessible to the Victorian community through new and expanded spaces.”
“Through treasured objects, iconic performers and a rich theatrical legacy, AMPA will enable us to share with the world the incredible performing arts history and stories of the stages of Australia and beyond,” Ms Quinlan said.
AMPA, which will take over a riverside space at Hamer Hall’s upper terrace, will showcase a range of exhibitions that will bring our performing arts history to life while also hosting international touring exhibitions.
This exciting addition will bring yet another new cultural offering and experience for Melbourne, activating the northern aspect of the Arts Precinct, opening up Hamer Hall to the public in new ways, and delivering significant value to the visitor economy.
AMPA will open in December 2025.
