Performing Arts Collection
Performing Arts Collection
Home to many prestigious and unique collections that embody over 200 hundred years of South Australian performing arts history, this collection represents the contributions South Australians have made to the performing arts industry, both on stage and behind-the-scenes.
Our collection holds some of the finest costumes worn by Australia's most memorable actors and opera singers, costume designs and set models drawn and made by Australia's significant designers and artists, personal archives once belonging to some of theatre's greats, production photographs, ventriloquist dolls, puppets, musical instruments, theatre interiors plus an astonishing program collection dating back to 1881.
Watch for changing displays at the Festival Theatre foyer showcases. You can also visit the collection by appointment.
1973: Dunstan Decade
The arts blossomed under this visionary leader during the Dunstan Decade and the opening of the Adelaide Festival Centre.
Reg Livermore: Souvenirs from the Stage
Presented in conjunction with Arts Centre Melbourne and Reg Livermore as part of the 2013 Adelaide Cabaret Festival.
Gale Edwards: The Girl from Oz
A 'snapshot' of the brilliant career of this acclaimed Australian theatre director.
Theatre Décor and Design
Theatre's past and present told through fascinating objects from the Performing Arts Collection.