Some of the most recognisable pieces in Australian entertainment history are about to step back into the spotlight, with Arts Centre Melbourne unveiling a major new exhibition celebrating five decades of the Australian Performing Arts Collection.
Opening at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts from 16 September 2026, ENCORE! 50 Objects. 50 Years. One Collection. will bring together 50 iconic items spanning theatre, music, opera, dance, television and circus history.
Among the standout pieces are the gold hot pants worn by Kylie Minogue in the Spinning Around music video, the original neon-red L’Amour sign created by Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin for Opera Australia’s La Bohème, and Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst’s well-travelled drum kit.
The exhibition also digs deep into Australia’s cultural archives with rarely seen personal artefacts including Nick Cave’s 1987 visual journal, signed pointe shoes worn by Ella Havelka, and a dress worn by Judith Durham during The Seekers’ historic Sidney Myer Music Bowl concert in 1967.
Maracas used by renowned entertainer, singer and songwriter Peter Allen in 1977 to perform “I Go To Rio”, the Grammy Award won by Helen Reddy for her Billboard no.1 anthem “I am Woman”, and Aussie TV legend, puppet Ossie Ostrich are also featured.
Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Karen Quinlan AM said the exhibition captures both famous moments and lesser-known stories from the country’s performing arts history.
“Exploring the breadth of performing arts genres and spanning 170 years, ENCORE! is an exclusive backstage pass to 50 incredible moments from Australia’s history. It feels only fitting that our nation’s vibrant stage contributions will be on display at the centre of Australia’s cultural capital, at AMPA in Melbourne,” said Quinlan.
One of the exhibition’s most remarkable inclusions is the enormous Wirth’s Circus scrapbook, a sprawling archive containing thousands of photographs documenting Australia’s circus scene across the early 20th century.
Visitors can also expect costumes worn by Dame Joan Sutherland, Archie Roach and Dame Edna Everage, alongside circus memorabilia, original scripts, stage models, puppets and vintage posters.
Running until May 2027, the exhibition offers a rare chance to step through generations of Australian performance history in the heart of Melbourne.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit artscentremelbourne.com.au.
