See ROME: Empire, Power, People at Melbourne Museum before it closes 25 October

After the spectacular success of the sold-out first event, Discoteca Italiana returns on 16 October at Melbourne Museum to say arrivederci in style to the Melbourne-exclusive exhibition ROME: Empire, Power, People, before the exhibition closes on 25 October. 

ROME: Empire, Power, People features 180 objects, the majority which have not left Italy before, from the extraordinary collections of two of Italy’s most prestigious museums, the Museo Nazionale Romano and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze.

The exhibition presents a rare opportunity to experience up close objects that tell the story of one of history’s most enduring civilisations from the grandeur of imperial power to the lives of everyday citizens.

Tickets are now on sale for Discoteca Italiana Arrivederci Roma, a unique experience celebrating 2,000 years of ancient Roman history and Italian nightlife on 16 October. This program has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Italian Australian Foundation.

Guests can dance the night away on a giant disco dancefloor, capture the moment at a neon-inspired photo booth, enjoy pizza, pasta and desserts by Brunetti Classico, sip cocktails showcasing Segafredo espresso, all while enjoying exclusive after-hours access to ROME: Empire, Power, People.

Known for playing the best music across Melbourne's top parties, Disco Mediterranea (Italian themselves) headline with a special curated set of Italian classics. Opening the night is Piu Disco's The D Word, bringing Italo disco, electro and uptempo disco with roaming dancers and living statues weaving through the crowd all night. 

Visitors to Melbourne Museum also have until Sunday 25 October to experience the exclusive Brunetti Classico at Melbourne Museum outpost. The beloved Italian food emporium has been serving its authentic, Roman-inspired savoury dishes and pastries including savoury classics like pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) prepared in the classic Roman style along with pasticceria favourites like cannoli.

Quote attributable to Lynley Crosswell, CEO and Director, Museums Victoria: 

“ROME: Empire, Power, People has given audiences a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to encounter extraordinary objects from Italy’s great museum collections, many of which have never travelled beyond Italy before. The return of Discoteca Italiana Arriverdeci Roma is a joyful way to celebrate the exhibition and the enduring influence of Italian culture.” 

ROME: Empire, Power, People closes 25 October 2026, exclusive to Melbourne Museum. Tickets to Discoteca Italiana Arrivederci Roma are available now at ROME: Empire, Power, People | What's on | Melbourne Museum.  

ROME: Empire, Power, People 

Closes: Sunday 25 October 2026
Location: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street Carlton  
Tickets: On sale at Melbourne Museum and online here. 
 

Adult $35, Senior & Concession $30, Member Adult $28, Child (3-16 years) $15, Education-Student $14, Member Child (3-16 years) $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. 

Discoteca Italiana Arrivederci Roma 

Date: Friday 16 October 2026
Time: 7pm-11pm 
Location: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street Carlton 
Tickets: On sale at Melbourne Museum and online here. 
 

Adult $40, Concession $30. Adult-only event, ticket includes entry to ROME: Empire, Power, People