Melbourne’s rich performing arts legacy will soon have a dazzling new home. Arts Centre Melbourne today announced the Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) will open in December 2025 within the iconic Hamer Hall, offering visitors an immersive journey through the nation’s most celebrated stage stories.
Perched on the upper terrace of Hamer Hall with sweeping views of the Yarra River, AMPA will be a cultural beacon in the heart of the city. It will showcase rare treasures from the Australian Performing Arts Collection—the nation’s largest repository of performing arts history—alongside world-class touring exhibitions.
With more than 850,000 objects spanning circus, dance, music, opera, and theatre, the collection boasts iconic costumes and memorabilia from legends like Kylie Minogue, Barry Humphries, Nick Cave, and Olivia Newton-John, as well as famed institutions such as The Australian Ballet and Circus Oz.
Opening in phases, AMPA’s initial 500-square-metre gallery will debut in December 2025, expanding to 800 square metres in Phase 2. Its first exhibition will be revealed this September, promising to be a captivating blend of local and international artistry.
Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks hailed the project as a game-changer: “AMPA will cement Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s cultural capital, honoring our performing arts legacy while inspiring future generations.” Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Karen Quinlan added, “This is about sharing Australia’s extraordinary stage stories with the world.”
From Dame Nellie Melba’s 19th-century opera cloak to Kylie’s gold hot pants and Bon Scott’s leather jacket, AMPA will bring these treasures into the spotlight like never before. A must-visit for art lovers, it’s set to become a cornerstone of Melbourne’s cultural landscape.
For more information, visit artscentremelbourne.com.
