Overview

• The Australian Museum of Performing Arts will open its first dedicated exhibition space at Hamer Hall in December 2025, restoring a permanent museum for the collection after more than 25 years.
• The museum will launch in two phases: an initial 500 sqm gallery in December, followed by a planned expansion to 800 sqm, with the inaugural exhibition to be announced in September.
• The Australian Performing Arts Collection, established in 1975, includes 850,000 items, featuring costumes, props, and artifacts from iconic figures such as Kylie Minogue, Nick Cave, and Dame Nellie Melba.
• Previously accessible only through temporary displays, tours, and the Australian Music Vault, the collection will now have a permanent home to preserve and share Australia’s performing arts heritage.
• Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Karen Quinlan emphasized the museum’s role in inspiring creativity by showcasing artifacts like Nick Cave’s notebooks and Ray Lawler’s typewriter, connecting audiences to the creative process.