First Australian Burlesque Museum

Most great ideas in Burlesque start as a conversation over a few glasses of champers backstage after a show, and this was no different. Starting as a twinkle in the eye of the Australian Burlesque community, the ABA started as a desire to see this unique burlesque history preserved before it was lost. Since the conception of this idea it has grown into the Australian Burlesque Association, dedicated to the research, collection and celebration of this enchanting and provocative art form, the brazen women and men who performed it, and it's unique trajectory within Australian history.

Because of the racy nature of Burlesque much of its origins within Australia are shrouded in mystery, as many of those who would be the legends of our industry wished to hide their risqué past from their family and community in Australia's conservative past. Fabulous work in researching and compiling the stories of these legends has been done by industry leaders such as Imogen Kelly with her "Living History" project. We would like to expand on this research and preserve these stories before they are lost forever, creating a resource for performers and history buffs alike.
With the support of the Australian Burlesque community the association was formed, and with the tireless work of a founding team of dedicated performers and burlesque aficionados around the country, plans for the Australian Burlesque Museum are underway. We would love you to be a part of it!

We have the team, we have a space to host the museum, we have dedicated collectors ready to start compiling the treasures of our nearly-naked past, we just need the funds to make it all happen.
How The Funds Will Be Used
In order to safely collect, preserve & display the amazing photos, costumes, props, books, video and memorabilia without losing any of these precious memories we'll need couriers, storage bags, hangers, boxes, trays, digital storage, lockable display cases, poster and picture frames, along with all the finicky details such as security cameras so that we can get insurance on the museum, website hosting, and so forth.
This is a forever kind of deal. We want to make sure that the methods we use to preserve these incredible pieces of history means they last as long as possible. So that generations of performers (burlesque or otherwise), history buffs and students can access the almost-lost stories of these brazen women and men that busted boundaries in the name of entertainment.
Get memed! We'll match you with a burlesquer's photo as a personalised thank you on our ABA Facebook page.
Your own piece of burlesque history! A signed photo of an Australian Burlesque star.
Your own piece of burlesque history and a little something special! A signed photo and a love letter from an Australian Burlesque icon.
History with a nipple twist! A signed photo and a pair of pasties.
History and something to touch your nether regions... a signed photo and g-string from an Australian Burlesque star.
You want in on the action? You can get tickets for 2 to the Grand Opening of the Australian Burlesque Museum and a signed photo of an Australian Burlesque star. Please note - this event will be held in Melbourne and you'll have to cover your own costs to get there.
What's better than owning a bit of history? Being a part of it! You can with a "Kindly supported by" plaque on one of our poster frames for display in the Australian Burlesque Museum.
Get your name on all that glitters! A "Kindly supported by" plaque on one of our display cabinets + 2 tickets to the grand opening of the Australian Burlesque Museum. These cabinets are an incredibly important part of exhibiting garments, props and jewellery safely and securely - essential to the Museum. The event will be held in Melbourne, so you will need to cover your own costs to get there, but if you can't make it we'll send photos.
Be the first to become a Member! Recognition as a founding member of the ABA + 5 year membership including certificate of recognition and a permanent plaque in the Australian Burlesque Museum. Two tickets to the grand opening of the ABM, signed photo, love letter from an Australian Burlesque star, signed g-string & pair of pasties.
And for those who want it all, you can have it! Private performance by Australian Burlesque Association members in your capital city. 5 year Founding Membership including certificate of recognition and permanent plaque in the museum. Two tickets to the grand opening of the Museum, signed photo, love letter, signed g-string, and a pair of pasties. Note you will have to pay your own way to the performance and Grand Opening event in Melbourne.
Get your bump & grind on!
Learn how to bump & grind, booty shake, chair dance or even 80s dance with this single casual class pass to any Bottoms Up Burlesque & Pole school class! Plus a signed poster from a burlesque star. Please note - Bottoms Up is based in Melbourne, you would have to make your own way there.
Bump & Grind all term!
An 8 week Burlesque course of your choice with the Bottoms Up Burlesque & Pole School in Melbourne! Please note - Bottoms Up is based in Melbourne, you would have to make your own way there.