Iconic costumes and jewellery worn by some of the world’s biggest stars will go on display in Melbourne this December, as London’s Victoria and Albert Museum’s acclaimed exhibition DIVA makes its Australian debut at the new Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA).
An Australian exclusive, DIVA will launch AMPA with a spectacular showcase of more than 250 objects, including 60 showstopping costumes, jewellery, photography, art and music from the V&A Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne’s Australian Performing Arts Collection, and major international loans.
Celebrating the creativity, ambition and resilience of the world’s most iconic performers, DIVA explores the evolution of the term “diva” — from 19th-century opera stars to today’s global pop icons. Featured names include Maria Callas, Judy Garland, Grace Jones, Cher, Prince, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Whitney Houston and Billie Eilish.
V&A Senior Curator Kate Bailey said, “At the heart of this exhibition 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.”
Australian performers will also shine, with pieces from Dame Nellie Melba, Kylie Minogue, Jessica Mauboy, Marcia Hines, Chrissy Amphlett and Amy Taylor among the highlights.
Exhibition highlights include:
- Vivien Leigh’s crimson Christian Dior dress from Duel of Angels (Apollo Theatre, 1958)
- Marilyn Monroe’s fringed black dress from Some Like It Hot (1959)
- Ella Fitzgerald’s canary yellow jumpsuit (1960s–70s)
- Iconic Bob Mackie designs worn by Tina Turner (1977), Cher (1975) and P!nk (2009)
- Rihanna’s jeweled Papal ensemble by John Galliano for Maison Margiela (Met Gala, 2018)
- Whitney Houston’s black-and-gold Marc Bouwer gown from the 1994 Grammys
- Jessica Mauboy’s Eurovision dress from her performance of We Got Love (2018)
- Lady Gaga’s periwinkle Valentino couture gown from the Golden Globes (2019)
- Billie Eilish’s Stella McCartney Glastonbury ensemble (2019)
- Kylie Minogue’s red outfit from her Padam Padam music video (2023)
Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Karen Quinlan said, “DIVA is the perfect exhibition to launch our Australian Museum of Performing Arts. The V&A’s deeply thoughtful and exciting exploration of the concept of the diva will enthral visitors.”
DIVA will be open daily at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne from 11 December 2025 to 26 April 2026. Tickets and details are available at artscentremelbourne.com.au.
