On now and until May 2027, is an exhibition called Encore! 50 Objects, 50 Years One Collection, a fascinating display of performing arts history of the people, objects, costumes and music that are known and loved by Australians.

Wandering through the performing arts collection in the Victorian Arts Centre, on the south side of the Yarra River, is a real step back in time where you can reminisce about musicians, performers, singers and more.

You can see memorabilia, clothing, and props that they’ve donated to the collection, and read about the items and what made them and their owners so famous.

The idea to create a performing arts collection was first conceived in 1975 and since then the collection of performing arts history has been gathered and added to and now there is a permanent space to view various items from the collection, including this latest exhibition.

As you wander through the Encore exhibition, there are many wow moments for fans of the arts. There are music videos to watch as you take a close up look of various iconic items of well-known singers such as Archie Roach’s vest, a dress worn by Judith Durhum of The Seekers, costumes worn by Hugh Jackman and Dame Edna Everage and a beautiful gold fabric, hand painted and jewel encrusted cloak, worn by Australia’s first International opera star, Dame Nellie Melba.

More recent performers items include the dress worn by Olivia Newton John in the film clip for ‘Hopelessly devoted to you’, Kylie Minogue’s hot pants that she wore for the song ‘Spinning Around’ and Rob Hirst’s, (from Midnight Oil) drum kit. A video of live performances of the band, plays behind the kit and shows just what an incredible performer he was, before sadly passing away in January of this year.

For those that aren’t familiar with his talent, I would urge you to watch him in action during his drum solo in the video for ‘Power and the passion’, an incredible performance and one that I’m glad we saw in person at a concert a few years ago. His ability to display his talent keeping the beat while drumming on a corrugated rainwater tank is something that has to be seen to be believed.

Also in the exhibition are costumes and props from stage shows, ballet, comedy, opera and more. We were even surprised to see Ossie Ostrich himself there!

I think one of the favourite things I saw though was Helen Reddy’s Grammy for ‘Best Pop Vocal – female’, which she was awarded in 1972 for her anthemic song, ‘I am Woman’. Along with the grammy is part of her acceptance speech which started very tongue in cheek with… ”I would like to thank God, because she makes everything possible”. 🙂

The Encore exhibition will be on at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts in Melbourne until the 9^th of May 2027, and it’s a great nostalgic way to spend an hour or more when you visit Melbourne.

Enjoy

Glenys