The Australian Music Vault is a free, permanent exhibition at Arts Centre Melbourne that celebrates Australia’s contemporary music story – past, present, and future. Developed in partnership with the Arts Centre Melbourne, the Victorian Government and the Australian music industry, the Music Vault combines iconic objects, immersive design, and innovative digital experiences to honour our music legends, highlight the role of music in society, and inspire the next generation of artists, storytellers and performers.

E2 worked with Arts Centre Melbourne to bring this vision to life, addressing the unique challenge of placing music at the very heart of a museum experience. At its core is a specially designed acoustic “Heart” – a space where visitors are enveloped in sound and vision at a visceral, floor-shaking volume, while the glowing LED exterior radiates energy into the surrounding galleries. This central experience connects a series of thematic zones that blend objects, iconic memorabilia, soundscapes, light, and interactive media, creating a layered and atmospheric visitor journey.

Winner of the 2018 MAGNA Award for Permanent Exhibition, the Australian Music Vault continues to evolve through innovative curatorial content and digital participation, offering a dynamic and ever-changing celebration of Australia’s music and its impact on our cultural identity.