Drawing on the extraordinary collections of the Museo Nazionale Romano and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze, two of Italy’s most prestigious museums, ROME: Empire, Power, People is now on display at Melbourne Museum.
“Museums help us understand who we are and where we’ve come from – a responsibility we’ve proudly carried for more than 170 years,” said Lynley Crosswell, CEO and Director, Museums Victoria.
“ROME: Empire, Power, People brings extraordinary ancient objects to Melbourne – an experience many will only have once. We hope visitors feel inspired by this window into Roman history and the vibrant spirit of Italian culture that continues to shape our city.’
The exhibition brings to life the vibrant world of ancient Rome with more than 180 objects, including marble portraits, frescoes, mosaics, jewellery and intimate everyday objects.
Visitors can explore Ancient Rome through the themes of Ambition, Life, Luxury, the Divine and Eternity, moving through a series of theatrical spaces including the social and ritual world of the bathhouse, the spectacle and tension of the gladiator arena and the splendour of a luxurious banquet with large hero sculptures, multimedia projections, and layered soundscapes bringing these spaces to life.
The exhibition journey is also punctuated by an exclusively designed scent, drawn from oregano, lavender and rosemary, by Australian-maker Salus Body, to evoke the sensory atmosphere of Roman bathhouses.
“Through our collections we tell the story of Rome from its origins to the present day. It is a great honour to see that some of the works of the Museo Nazionale Romano have travelled all the way to Melbourne,” said Federica Rinaldi, Director, Museo Nazionale Romano.
“For us, this occasion is much more than a mere exhibition. It’s a cultural bridge between Italy and Australia. It’s a precious opportunity to share millennial-long history with an international audience.”
All roads lead to Melbourne Museum as it’s transformed into a meeting place for food, art, design and language with experiences and events that celebrate Italian culture and heritage, and its enduring influence.
The exclusive Brunetti Classico at Melbourne Museum outpost will see the beloved Italian food emporium serving its authentic, Roman-inspired savoury dishes and pastries, while Melbourne Museum’s Mercury Restaurant will play host to a reimagined Italian-influenced menu.
Visitors can attend a one night only Discoteca Italiana, go behind-the-scenes with Museums Victoria collection tours or enjoy the best of Italian-inspired cinema at IL GRANDE CINEMA SERIES hosted by IMAX Melbourne, screening favourites including Gladiator, The Godfather and Suspiria (1977).
Those interested in art and design have the rare opportunity to attend Drawing Under the Dome workshops, taking place under the UNESCO world heritage Royal Exhibition Building dome modelled on Florence Cathedral’s, Il Duomo. Exhibition tours will be conducted daily in English, and in Italian on weekends and for school groups.
To accompany the exhibition, Museums Victoria Publishing has released ROME: Empire, Power People. Written by curators from the Museo Nazionale Romano, this rich and detailed book offers a multifaceted portrait of ancient Roman society as a political and administrative entity, a military power and a centre of artistic and architectural innovation.
“Victoria is the creative state and this exhibition is a fantastic example of what can happen when global partnerships and local creative talent come together,” said Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks.
“The Victorian Government is proud to back this exclusive collaboration which gives Victorians and visitors of all ages a once-in-a-generation chance to come face-to-face with extraordinary Roman treasures – while enjoying everything Melbourne Museum has to offer.”
ROME: Empire, Power, People
Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Exhibition continues to 25 October 2026
Entry fees apply
For more information, visit: www.museumsvictoria.com.au for details.
Images: Divine room – ROME: Empire, Power, People at Melbourne Museum – photo by Tim Carrafa (Museums Victoria) | Mask of Jupiter, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze – photo by Tim Carrafa (Museums Victoria) | Mosaic with Scene of a Sacrifice, Museo Nazionale Romano – photo by Tim Carrafa (Museums Victoria)