DIVA Exhibition at Arts Centre Melbourne
Australian Museum of Performing Arts
11 December 2025 – 26 April 2026
Presented by Arts Centre Melbourne and London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, DIVA celebrates performers from 19th-century opera goddesses to today’s global pop icons. The exhibition showcases more than 250 objects, including 60 spectacular costumes from legends such as Maria Callas, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue and more, with garments by designers including Bob Mackie, Valentino and Vivienne Westwood.
Proposal – Design, construct and install custom theatre curtains throughout the DIVA exhibition at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) in Melbourne. The theatre drapes would function as elegant backdrops and room dividers, highlighting key exhibition areas featuring iconic costumes and artefacts from some of history’s most powerful performers.
Challenges – The project required close coordination with Arts Centre Melbourne’s team to install theatre curtains amongst priceless exhibits whilst adhering to a rigid schedule. The theatre drapes needed to complement rather than compete with the stunning costumes, requiring exceptional draping qualities whilst maintaining a professional appearance throughout the exhibition. Installation needed completion before the December opening to allow time for final staging and lighting adjustments.
Solutions – Theatre Star Ultra IFR Velvet was selected for its superb drapeability and rich glossy finish. This inherently flame retardant knitted velvet, exclusive to Theatre Star, provided the perfect backdrop for the exhibition’s glamorous costumes. The fabric’s luxurious texture echoed the opulence of the designer garments whilst allowing them to remain the focal point.
Being inherently flame retardant and tested to AS1530 parts 2+3, the fabric met all necessary safety standards for a public cultural institution. Theatre Star workshopped the designs with Katherine from the HOHAB design team, with full-scale test hanging conducted in our Melbourne workroom. This collaborative process ensured the curtains would achieve exactly the right visual effect before installation commenced. Our team worked closely with Arts Centre Melbourne throughout the design and manufacturing phase, maintaining clear communication to meet the project’s exacting standards.
Outcome – The Theatre Star curtains provide a sophisticated backdrop that complements the exhibition’s spectacular costumes and artefacts. The rich, glossy finish of the Ultra IFR Velvet enhances the theatrical atmosphere throughout AMPA, creating intimate viewing spaces that draw visitors into the world of the diva.
The theatre drapes successfully divide the exhibition into distinct zones whilst maintaining visual flow throughout the space. Their elegant draping adds to the sense of occasion that visitors experience when viewing iconic pieces from performers including Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Kylie Minogue.
Theatre Star’s reliable delivery and quality craftsmanship contributed to the successful opening of this groundbreaking exhibition, demonstrating our ability to deliver professional results on prestigious cultural projects in Melbourne.
