A Toast to Melba

Uncover the untold stories of a global icon, Dame Nellie Melba. A Toast to Melba shares rarely seen objects, photographs, and personal treasures from Coombe Yarra Valley, Arts Centre Melbourne and Yarra Ranges Regional Museum—brought together for the first time in this dynamic new exhibition. 

Beyond the international fame and behind Coombe’s iconic hedge lived a woman of complexity and charisma—a feminist, modernist, humanitarian and practical joker who defied expectations and made space as a modern woman and a proud Australian. 

"I have built my Australian home, Coombe Cottage, almost within sight and sound of the same trees and vineyards in which I played as a child, under the same brilliant sunshine, facing the same sudden storms that sweep in … from the hills … If you wish to understand me at all … you must understand first and foremost, that I am an Australian.” 

—Dame Nellie Melba, 1925 

From the chic streets of Paris and London to the tranquil beauty of the Yarra Valley, A Toast to Melba reveals intimate glimpses of Melba’s life. Marvel at the creativity in her painting, enjoy the humorous tale of her son’s racing jersey in British suffrage colours and celebrate the innovator who made history as the first internationally renowned performer to broadcast live on radio in 1920. 

Off-stage, Melba’s warmth extended to those around her—loving letters, photographs, and commissioned artworks speak to her generosity as a friend, grandmother and champion of emerging female artists. Yet, her story also reveals a woman navigating the pressures of fame, enduring personal heartbreak, and facing relentless media scrutiny with wit and playfulness. 

Join us in exploring the modern life of Dame Nellie Melba—a woman who dared to live on her own terms. 

A Yarra Ranges Regional Museum exhibition presented in partnership with Coombe Yarra Valley and Arts Centre Melbourne. 

Join us for talks, tours, special events and more starting in February 2025, full details will appear on this page as programs are announced. 

Groups can book a self-guided or museum-led tour of the exhibition, find out more and make a booking via our group visits page.

Exhibition preview

A Toast to Melba, image credit Sean Paris

A Toast to Melba, image credit Sean Paris

A Toast to Melba, image credit Sean Paris

Opened in 2011, Yarra Ranges Regional Museum promotes a greater understanding of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Yarra Ranges region through exhibitions, collections and programs. 

The Museum is custodian of a collection of over 13,000 cultural objects, including Indigenous belongings related to Coranderrk Aboriginal Station and a sub-collection related to opera diva Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931).