Work commences on new Australian Museum of Performing Arts

Work has commenced on the new Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) at Arts Centre Melbourne which, when complete, will enable Victorians and visitors to explore Australia's history in music, dance, theatre, circus and opera in an innovative way.

Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks today visited Melbourne’s Hamer Hall to announce the establishment of AMPA, a new drawcard exhibition space for the Melbourne Arts Precinct.

An Australian-first, AMPA will be the public face of the Australian Performing Arts Collection - more than 850,000 costumes, props, programs, posters and other artefacts valued at close to $80 million, cared for by Arts Centre Melbourne on behalf of the people of Victoria.

The Australian Performing Arts Collection has largely been kept in storage since it was established in 1975.

At AMPA, Victorians and visitors will be able view such pieces as Peter Allen's maracas, Nick Cave's visual journal, Kylie Minogue's gold hot pants and items from luminaries like Joan Sutherland, Chrissy Amphlett, AC/DC and the Australian Ballet.

AMPA, which will take over a riverside space at Hamer Hall's upper terrace, will showcase a range of exhibitions that will bring Victoria’s performing arts history to life while also hosting international touring exhibitions.

This exciting addition will bring yet another new cultural offering and experience for Melbourne, activating the northern aspect of the Arts Precinct, opening up Hamer Hall to the public in new ways, and delivering significant value to the visitor economy.

AMPA will open in December 2025, drawing even more visitors to the precinct while construction works are underway on the Victorian Government's $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation.

Arts Centre Melbourne Chief Executive Karen Quinlan enthused "I'm so pleased to be bringing to life the long-held vision to make the riches of the Australian Performing Arts Collection more accessible to the Victorian community through new and expanded spaces.

"Through treasured objects, iconic performers and a rich theatrical legacy, AMPA will enable us to share with the world the incredible performing arts history and stories of the stages of Australia and beyond.”

For more information on AMPA, visit artscentremelbourne.com.au.

Image. Render of Australian Museum of Performing Arts. Credit: Scharp