The Arts Centre is home to two significant collections: the Performing Arts Collection and the Art Collection. The Performing Arts Collection tells the story of Australia's performing arts history and traditions. The Art Collection explores the performing arts through the work of Australia's most significant visual artists.

We encourage visitors to enjoy and value the performing arts, and the collections enable people to connect with the past whether engaging with interesting exhibitions and foyer presentations, attending our education programs or using our research service.


Peforming Arts Collection

Performing Arts Collection

The Performing Arts Collection is the nation's premier specialist performing arts collection relating to the history of circus, dance, music, opera and theatre in Australia. Recognised as a State collection, it is home to over 300,000 items.

Objects include costumes and accessories, costume and stage designs, set models, props, puppets, photographs, posters, programmes, and personal and company archives.

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Art Collection

Art Collection

The Art Collection includes significant artworks by Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, John Olsen and Jeffrey Smart.

The Collection continues to grow, reflecting the ways in which artists are inspired by circus, dance, music, opera and theatre, and exploring the collaboration between visual and performing arts.
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Search the Catalogue

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We are currently improving public access to our Collections by extending our services to remote and online audiences.

Our aim is to provide a comprehensive searchable database of both Collections. To access the Art Collection or Performing Arts Collection select from below and enter a keyword. For example, The Australian Ballet, Barry Humphries, Design or Sidney Nolan.