A brand-new cultural landmark is officially on its way.
This morning, Arts Centre Melbourne officially unveiled its latest cultural venture — the Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) — a permanent new destination set to celebrate the nation’s rich history of stage and screen.
Nestled on the upper terrace of Hamer Hall with sweeping views of the Birrarung (Yarra River), AMPA will be a bold celebration of Australia’s performing arts legacy — paying tribute to the legends, institutions, and unforgettable moments that have shaped our cultural landscape both locally and on the world stage.
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The museum will showcase exclusive exhibitions drawn from the Australian Performing Arts Collection — the largest collection of its kind in the country, with more than 850,000 objects covering everything from circus and dance to music, theatre and opera.
Expect to see costumes and artefacts from Aussie icons like Kylie Minogue, Hugh Jackman, Barry Humphries, Peter Allen, Nick Cave, Chrissy Amphlett, and the powerhouse lineup of dames: Nellie Melba, Joan Sutherland, Olivia Newton-John and Edna Everage.
Also featured are treasures from Australia’s top performing arts companies, including The Australian Ballet, Opera Australia, Circus Oz, and the Melbourne Theatre Company — all under the careful custodianship of Arts Centre Melbourne, which stewards the collection for the people of Victoria and Australia.
The project will roll out in stages, with Phase 1 opening the gallery space to the public in December 2025, boasting nearly 500 square metres of exhibition space. Phase 2 will expand the museum to approximately 800 square metres, further enriching the visitor experience. The museum will also host international touring exhibitions, promising an evolving, world-class program.
The first major exhibition will be announced this September, offering an exciting glimpse of what’s to come when AMPA opens its doors later in the year.
AMPA is being brought to life thanks to generous philanthropic contributions from Melbourne’s arts-loving community, as well as seed funding from the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.
With its unbeatable location, iconic artefacts, and world-class programming, AMPA is set to become a must-visit destination for music, theatre, and culture lovers alike.
Stay tuned for more as AMPA takes centre stage.
