An exhibition celebrating some of the most provocative and powerful performers in history will officially open the new Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) in Melbourne this December.
DIVA, developed by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), will make its Australian debut on December 11th as the museum’s inaugural exhibition. Running until April 26th next year, it will feature more than 250 objects — including 60 show-stopping costumes, jewellery, photographs, art and music — drawn from the V&A’s world-renowned collection, Arts Centre Melbourne’s own Australian Performing Arts Collection, and rare international loans.
From Maria Callas to Madonna, Grace Jones to Lady Gaga, the exhibition celebrates the artistry, ambition and resilience of the women and men who have redefined what it means to be a diva, and how that word has evolved from a term of worship to one of empowerment.
“Today the word diva holds a myriad of meanings,” said V&A Senior Curator Kate Bailey, who curated the exhibition. “At the heart of this show 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!”
The roll call is nothing short of dazzling. Alongside Callas and Garland, visitors will encounter costumes and memorabilia from Tina Turner, Cher, Prince, Elton John, Whitney Houston, P!nk, Adele, Rihanna, Billie Eilish, and more.
Among the highlights: Marilyn Monroe’s fringed black dress from “Some Like It Hot” (1959); Ella Fitzgerald’s canary-yellow jumpsuit; Elton John’s Louis XIV–inspired 50th birthday ensemble by Sandy Powell; Rihanna’s jewel-encrusted papal look from the 2018 Met Gala; and Lady Gaga’s periwinkle Valentino gown from the Golden Globes.
Australia’s own icons will be equally celebrated, with the exhibition spotlighting local contributions to global pop culture. Dame Nellie Melba, Peter Allen, Marcia Hines, Kylie Minogue, Olivia Newton-John, Chrissy Amphlett, Kate Miller-Heidke, Dame Edna Everage, Jessica Mauboy, Dame Joan Sutherland, Amy Taylor (Amyl and the Sniffers), and Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO will all feature among the lineup.
Love Film & TV?
Get your daily dose of everything happening in music, film and TV in Australia and abroad.
“DIVA is the perfect exhibition to launch our Australian Museum of Performing Arts,” said Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Karen Quinlan AM. “It brings to life our long-held vision to showcase the rich theatrical legacy of Australia and beyond. I know visitors will come from near and far to see it.”
Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks MP described the opening as “a highlight of a massive summer of creative experiences in the Melbourne Arts Precinct.”
“DIVA will unveil incredible pieces from our prized state collection alongside treasures from the V&A in London for a star-studded celebration of iconic performers,” he said. “It’s going to be a showstopping addition to the cultural calendar, further cementing Melbourne as the cultural capital of Australia.”
Following DIVA, AMPA’s second major exhibition, ENCORE!, will open in June 2026 to mark 50 years of the Australian Performing Arts Collection, featuring fifty iconic objects from the nation’s stage history — from the “La Bohème” L’Amour sign to Dame Nellie Melba’s 1891 “Lohengrin” cloak.
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 more information visit artscentremelbourne.com.au