DIVA | opera stars to pop icons

Celebrating some of history's most provocative and powerful divas, DIVA, an acclaimed international exhibition developed by London's Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), will open the new Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) in December 2025.

From opera stars to pop icons, celebrate the power and creativity of the diva.

Presented by Arts Centre Melbourne and Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), London

Australian Exclusive

DIVA is a groundbreaking exhibition celebrating some of history's most provocative and powerful performers. The exhibition presents more than 250 objects, including 60 spectacular costumes, jewellery, photography, art, and music, drawn from the V&A's Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne's Australian Performing Arts Collection, and loaned treasures from across the world. Discover the triumphs and transformations of the diva, from 19th-century opera goddesses and silent film stars to Golden Age Hollywood legends and today's global megastars and pop icons.

The exhibition features a dazzling roll call of legends such as Maria Callas, Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, Dame Nellie Melba, Grace Jones, Cher, Prince, Tina Turner, Elton John, Madonna, Adele, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, P!nk, Bjork, Billie Eilish and more.

DIVA also showcases Australia's significant contributions to the stage, including Dame Joan Sutherland, Peter Allen, Marcia Hines, Kylie Minogue, Olivia Newton-John, Cate Blanchett, Kate Miller-Heidke, Chrissy Amphlett, Dame Edna Everage, Jessica Mauboy and Amy Taylor (Amyl and the Sniffers). 

From the stadium tour to the Met Gala, DIVA brings the magic of pop culture's biggest moments to life. Discover iconic garments by legendary designers such as Bob Mackie, Valentino, Maison Margiela, Vivienne Westwood, Christian Dior and more - up close and in stunning detail. From exquisite beading, feathers, diamonds and jewels to personal objects, song sheets and handwritten lyrics, delve into this exhibition of art and attitude, vision and voice. Experience an immersive soundscape designed by world-leading sound designer Gareth Fry, featuring hits and hooks from DIVA's biggest stars.

Charting the origin and rise of the diva through the ages - from creative subversion to public backlash and reign in their own times - DIVA takes you behind the headlines to reveal the essence and artistry of these showstopping performers and agents of change, in all their glory. 

Exhibition Highlights

-:- A stage ensemble worn by Maria Callas as the title role of Norma in the Covent Garden Opera Company production of Norma (1952)
-:- A corseted crimson dress designed by Christian Dior and worn by Vivien Leigh as Paola in Jean Giradoux's Duel of Angels at the Apollo Theatre (1958)
-:- The fringed black dress worn by Marilyn Monroe as Sugar Kane Kowalczyk in Some Like it Hot (1959)
-:- A canary yellow jumpsuit worn by Ella Fitzgerald (1960s - 70s)
-:- Iconic costumes designed by fashion designer for the stars Bob Mackie, including looks worn by Tina Turner (1977), P!nk (2009) and Cher (1975)
-:- A Louis XIV inspired look with towering, powdered wig and train worn by Elton John for his 50th birthday celebration designed by Sandy Powell (1997)
-:- Rihanna's high-fashion Papal look, with jewel-encrusted robe and matching mitre designed by John Galliano for Maison Margiela worn at The Met Gala (2018)
-:- Whitney Houston's floor length black and gold dress worn to receive her three Grammy Awards for The Bodyguard soundtrack, including song of the year for single I Will Always Love You, designed by Marc Bouwer (1994)
-:- Jessica Mauboy's dress worn at the Eurovision Song Contest for her performance of We Got Love (2018)
-:- Lady Gaga's periwinkle blue Valentino couture ballgown for The Golden Globes (2019)
-:- Billie Eilish's Glastonbury ensemble designed by Stella McCartney (2019)
-:- A gown worn by soprano and composer Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO (Yorta Yorta/Yuin) at the Hawker Ball (2019)
-:- Kylie Minogue's red outfit worn in her video for smash hit Padam Padam (2023)
-:- Amy Taylor's (Amyl and the Sniffers) whoopee cushion outfit on the Cartoon Darkness Tour, Sidney Myer Music Bowl (2025)

Location

Australian Museum of Performing Arts
Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne

Dates & times

11 December 2025 - 26 April 2026

Monday to Friday, 12pm-7pm
Saturday and Sunday, 10am-7pm

10:00 AM
11:00 AM
12:00 PM
01:00 PM
02:00 PM
03:00 PM
04:00 PM
05:00 PM
06:00 PM

Price range

Adult $30.00
Concession $28.00
Child (5-15 years) $22.00
Family (Group of 4) $22.00*
BlakTix$ 15.00

*Price is per person. Family tickets are available for groups of 4 comprising minimum 1 Adult/Concession and minimum 1 Child.

Book via Tickets.artscentremelbourne.au





 Australian Museum of Performing Arts View Venue
 100 St Kilda Road Melbourne Victoria  Map



Advertiser: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au


Hamer Hall

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