Sofitel Melbourne On Collins and Victorian Opera unveil an exclusive photographic exhibition celebrating the unseen artistry of opera for Féte de la Musique.
In celebration of Féte de la Musique, the beloved French festival dedicated to music and artistic expression, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins invites guests to experience Behind the Curtain, an exclusive photographic exhibition presented in partnership with Victorian Opera.
Opening on 22 June 2026, the exhibition reflects Sofitel Melbourne On Collins’ ongoing commitment as Melbourne’s Hotel for the Arts, creating meaningful connections between guests and the city’s vibrant cultural community through experiences inspired by French art de vivre.
As part of the global French celebration that transforms cities around the world through music and artistic expression, the exhibition highlights the creative forces behind one of the world’s most powerful art forms.
Presented exclusively at Sofitel Melbourne On Collins, Behind the Curtain offers a rare glimpse into the artistry, craftsmanship and unseen moments that bring opera to life. Through a curated collection of photography, guests are invited beyond the spotlight to discover the dedication, emotion and creativity that transform performance into spectacle.
Captured during Victorian Opera’s productions by photographer Casey Horsfield, the photographs celebrate the artists, musicians, costume makers, technicians and creative teams whose collective talents combine to create a live performance. Together, they tell the story of the remarkable work that unfolds long before the curtain rises.
“Through our partnership with Victorian Opera and our celebration of Féte de la Musique, we are delighted to bring the stories behind the performance into the public eye,” said Stephan Leroy, General Manager, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins. “At Sofitel, we believe hospitality and culture are intrinsically linked. Behind the Curtain offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the collaborative artistry that shapes every production while celebrating the creativity, passion and human connection that define French art de vivre.”
“We are delighted to share these unseen moments with visitors through our partnership with Sofitel Melbourne On Collins,” said Stuart Maunder AM, Artistic Director, Victorian Opera. “Each performance we stage at Victorian Opera is the result of hundreds of individuals working together and we encourage everyone seeing this exhibition to join us for a live performance, now with these added insights of what happens behind the curtain.”
To complement the exhibition, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins has created a limited-edition culinary experience inspired by the grandeur of opera and French tradition.
Available at The Atrium on 35 until 31 August 2026, guests can indulge in the hotel’s interpretation of the iconic Opera Cake, crafted with Callebaut 72% dark chocolate, hazelnut and delicate vanilla snow, alongside The High Note, a signature cocktail created exclusively for the season. Together, these contemporary interpretations of two timeless classics offer guests a memorable way to celebrate music, culture and French elegance high above Melbourne’s skyline.
Whether visiting for the exhibition, enjoying an afternoon indulgence, or discovering the creative world behind opera, guests are invited to immerse themselves in a uniquely French celebration of culture, connection and artistry.
