Arts Centre Melbourne to put on a show of shows: an exhibition that pays tribute to iconic Divas

By creammagazine, November 16, 2025

We all know what a Diva is. And there have been so many of them stemming usually from the entertainment industry and always teaching us how to have our way without compromise, making us, yes, become Divas on occasion, too.

Interestingly, the Art Centre Melbourne has made Divas the point of focus in an exclusive exhibition, aptly titled DIVA that will feature more than 250 objects including 60 spectacular costumes and jewellery as once worn by prominent diva-esque performers, along with photography, art and music drawn from the V&A’s Collection and the Australian Performing Arts Collection.

On display from 11 December 2025 – 26 April 2026, the exhibition will showcase the creativity, ambition and resilience of many of the world’s best-known divas, from 19th century opera goddesses and silent movie stars to Golden Age Hollywood legends and today’s global megastars and pop icons.

The exhibition features a megawatt roll call of legendary names including Maria Callas, Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, Dame Nellie Melba, Grace Jones, Cher, Prince, Tina Turner, Elton John, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Adele, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, P!nk, Bjork, and more.

V&A Senior Curator Kate Bailey, who put together the exhibition, said DIVA explores the performer, not just as an artist, but as a trailblazer, saying that the exhibition explores the phenomenal ability of the diva to transform and inspire the world around them. Delving into the origins of the term ‘diva’ – meaning goddess in Italian – the exhibition reflects on how the meaning of the word has been subverted and embraced over time, and how the label has been reclaimed by performers, their fans and wider society.

From exquisite couture gowns and showstopping costumes to intimate personal items, visitors will journey through some of history’s most magnetic performers and consider how the very idea of “diva” has been redefined over time. Charting the origin and rise of the diva, from creative subversions, backlash and reign in modern times, DIVA invites visitors to go beyond the headlines to witness the artistry and adversity of these showstopping performers, fabulous agitators and agents of change, in all their glory.

See it and experience the very best, dammit.

Antonino Tati