DIVA at Auckland Museum – Fashion, Music and Star Power

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DIVA at Auckland Museum - Fashion, Music and Star Power

Visitor using the audio headset at the DIVA exhibition at Auckland Museum, surrounded by sparkling stage costumes

We loved the music and theatrical energy of Auckland Museum’s bold new exhibition, DIVA.
It is full of sparkle, creativity and iconic moments that parents and kids can enjoy together.  The headset that plays each performer’s soundtrack as you move through the space, made the experience exciting and really brought the stories and costumes to life.

Direct from the V&A in London and exclusive to Auckland Museum, DIVA is a dazzling international exhibition celebrating the performers who have defined generations:  from nineteenth-century opera singers to today’s global superstars. With over 280 objects on display, it is a mix of fashion, music, photography, personal items and performance clips from some of the most iconic names in entertainment.

Families will recognise stars like Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Björk, Madonna and Amy Winehouse, along with legends such as Maria Callas, Marilyn Monroe, Elton John, Aretha Franklin and Cher. The fashion is a highlight,  from glittering gowns to bold stage costumes.  There are also intimate details that show what it takes to be a performer.

One of the most engaging parts of the exhibition is the black headset you’re given at the start to use. As you wander the galleries, it automatically plays music and sound from each featured artist. The soundtrack adds energy and atmosphere, and we think your kids will love it just as much as the adults!

Entrance to the DIVA exhibition at Auckland Museum, showing paparazzi displays and Lady Gaga’s iconic dress
The paparazzi ahead of Lady Gaga’s dress in the DIVA exhibition at Auckland Museum | Photo: Auckland for Kids

Exhibition Info

Where: Auckland Museum, Auckland Domain
When: On now until Sunday 19 October 2025
Opening hours: Daily 10am to 5pm. Open late every Tuesday until 8.30pm
Tickets: Adult: $25, Child (5–15): $15, Under 5s: FREE, Family (2 adults, 2 children): $72, Student/Senior: $23, FREE for Auckland Museum Members
Timed entry every 15 minutes: book your preferred time and stay as long as you like. Walk-ups are usually fine if it’s not too busy, but we recommend booking ahead.

Top Tips for Parents

  • Great for kids aged 5 and up, tweens and teens, especially those into fashion or music.

  • Fully pram and wheelchair accessible

  • Quietest times are weekday mornings or after 6pm on Tuesdays

  • Allow 60 to 90 minutes to enjoy the full experience

  • You can just visit the Lights, Camera, DIVA! kids’ space which is not part of the exhibition if the main exhibition is not quiet right for your family.

Lights, Camera, DIVA! – Creative Play Space for Kids

There is also a separate area called Lights, Camera, DIVA!, which is perfect for tamariki. It is open every weekend and daily during the school holidays, with dress-ups, music-making and creative play. It is included FREE with your exhibition ticket and a great way for kids to get hands-on.

While You are at the Museum

Make a day of it by exploring:

  • Weird & Wonderful – natural science gallery for younger kids

  • Tāmaki Stories – interactive Auckland history displays

  • Pou Maumahara – reflective war history space for older children

  • The café and gift store for a snack or treat

  • Or pack a picnic and head to the Auckland Domain duck pond or Wintergardens nearby

Make a Day of It

Wharenui Harikoa makes a wonderful addition to a family day out in the city. Combine your visit with:

This was one of our favourite Museum visits recently – the music, the fashion and the headset experience make it fun and different, and the kids’ area adds something playful too. If you are looking for something special to do indoors, DIVA is well worth the trip.