14 Oct 2023— 3 Mar 2024

Madonna40: A Celebration

Final weeks
Madonna40: A Celebration

Image: Madonna's first front cover for Island magazine, 1983. Copyright © Curtis Knapp

Final weeks

International music icon, Madonna, celebrates 40 years in the music business in 2023. Canberran Jerry Kirbell, a long-time collector and major fan of all things Madonna, presents a small slice of his extensive collection of autographed pieces, tour merchandise, promotional items, clothing, posters, printer's proofs, theatre memorabilia, magazine covers and rare photographs. Wonder at her amazing four-decade-long career while enjoying her soundtrack in this astounding homage to the 'Queen of Pop'.

 Beginning her career in the recording studios and discotheques of New York City in 1982, Madonna's impact on popular culture over the last four decades has been one of the most significant of any artist. The pieces in this exhibition have been lovingly collected and selected by Canberra fan, Jerry Kirbell. They reflect the importance of Madonna's career and the impact she's had on the worlds of music, fashion, art and popular culture.

 Jerry Kirbell has been collecting Madonna memorabilia, including clothing, promotional items, film and theatre ephemera, and rare photographs since 1984, and runs the 'occasional' fanzine 'It's All About Flirting'. He is as shocked as everyone else about how much he has managed to hoard.

Visitors please note that this exhibition contains adult content including nudity.

Meet the collector - Jerry Kirbell’s Madonna Story

Madonna Pop Icon by Venus Mantrap

Madonna40: A Celebration

Image: Madonna's first front cover for Island magazine, 1983. Copyright © Curtis Knapp