A treasure trove of priceless items tracing Australia’s performing arts history is set to go on show, as work gets underway on the new Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) at Arts Centre Melbourne.
Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks today visited the iconic Hamer Hall to announce the establishment of AMPA, a new drawcard exhibition space for the Melbourne Arts Precinct which he said will enable Victorians and visitors to explore Australia’s history in music, dance, theatre, circus and opera like never before.
“The new Australian Museum of Performing Arts will be yet another unmissable destination in the heart of the city, and another reason for visitors to flock to Australia’s cultural capital,” Minister Brooks said.
“From Peter Allan’s maracas and Nick Cave’s journals to Kylie’s hotpants – this collection tells stories that shape our creative state and passes them on to future generations.”
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 on behalf of the people of Victoria.
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.
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.
“I’m 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,” said Arts Centre Melbourne CEO, Karen Quinlan AM.
“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.”
AMPA will open in December 2025, as part of the Government’s $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation.
For more information on AMPA, visit artscentremelbourne.com.au.
