The Roman Empire unveiled at Melbourne Museum

Tickets are now on sale for the new exhibition, ROME: Empire, Power, People

01 December 2025

Portrait of Augustus from the late reign of Augustus (27 BCE – 14CE) | Source: Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze

A Melbourne-exclusive exhibition, ROME: Empire, Power, People will open at Melbourne Museum on 1st April 2026, revealing the grandeur, spectacle and magnificent story of the Eternal City and the rise, rule and legacy of one of history’s most powerful civilisations.

The exhibition, designed by Museums Victoria and developed in collaboration with Contemporanea Progetti and curators from Museo Nazionale Romano and Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze, will draw on the extraordinary collections of two of Italy’s most prestigious museums for a never-before seen exhibition. Presented with the support of the Ministero della Cultura, Dipartimento per la valorizzazione del patrimonio culturale and Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Toscana.

The experience is a vibrant exploration of Rome’s political, cultural and social life, with over 150 objects dating from the Imperial period 1st Century CE to the 3rd Century CE, with all of the objects on display in Melbourne for the first time.

Featuring original statues, mosaics, frescoes, jewellery and everyday objects from the humblest to the most sumptuous, visitors will trace Ancient Rome’s legacy from the fall of Julius Caesar and the rise of the Empire, to the sophistication and luxury of Imperial Rome, the spectacle of the gladiator arena, and the bustling marketplaces and everyday lives of Romans.

The splendour, drama and humanity of Rome is brought to life in detail with scenography and multimedia giving visitors an immersive experience and vivid portrait of a civilisation that continues to shape our world today.

‘This exhibition offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to stand before treasures nearly 2,000 years old and feel the pulse of a civilisation that shaped the world. Don’t miss this extraordinary journey; experience the grandeur and humanity of Rome right here at Melbourne Museum.” Said Lynley Crosswell, CEO & Director of Museums Victoria.

Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks said: 'The Allan Labor Government proudly backs this exclusive exhibition - bringing Ancient Rome to life and giving Victorians and visitors the chance to go beyond thinking about the Roman Empire to seeing priceless items on show in Australia for the first time.’

Federica Montani, Head of Exhibitions at Contemporanea Progetti, said: ‘This exhibition is the result of an exceptional collaboration between Australia and Italy. Our goal was to craft an exhibition that allows visitors to step into the heart of Ancient Rome—to create an experience that reveals not only the Empire’s grandeur, but also the humanity of the people who shaped its history. Through close collaboration with our Italian museum partners and Museums Victoria, we sought to create a dynamic journey through a civilisation that continues to inspire the modern world.’

Drawing inspiration from Melbourne’s vibrant Italian food scene, Melbourne Museum will welcome a dedicated hospitality offering that celebrates the timeless sights and flavours of Italy. A themed eatery featuring local Italian suppliers will accompany the exhibition on the lower ground level, while a dining experience in the museum’s Mercury Restaurant will showcase a regionally diverse menu that honours a variety of culinary traditions from across Italy, with local Italian chefs contributing to the development of key dishes.

Inspired by the rich history and cultural spirit of the exhibition’s objects and artworks, Museums Victoria Store will design and develop a curated range of exclusive retail products. IMAX Melbourne will also host special event screenings of Italian classics and contemporary films during the exhibition season, complementing the themes and narratives of the exhibition.

To further become immersed in the Roman Empire, Melbourne Museum is releasing a series of supporting events and programming which are on sale now, alongside exhibition tickets.

For more information on ROME: Empire, Power, People please visit the Melbourne Museum website ROME: Empire, Power, People.

ROME: Empire, Power, People

Open: Wednesday 1 April 2026–Sunday 25 October 2026
Location: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street Carlton 
Tickets: On sale at Melbourne Museum and online here.

Flexi Adult $39, Adult $35, Tourism Operators $31, Senior $30, Concession $30, Member Adult $28, Child $15, Education $14, Member Child $12

Children three years and younger and companion card holders who are companions for visitors with special needs enter for free. Ticket prices include general admission to Melbourne Museum.