Where Ancient Rome meets Melbourne: Museums Victoria store launches a new artisan retail collection

Discover a curated range of local makers and artisan goods inspired by the sights, scents and stories of italian life.

13 April 2026

Aa dente Cap (left) and ROMA tote bag (right)

Breathe in Ancient Roman bathhouse scents, discover handcrafted treasures and savour the flavours of Italy with Museum Victoria's new retail collection inspired by Melbourne Museum’s recently opened exhibition, ROME: Empire, Power, People.

The collection blends contemporary design with historical influence, featuring a mix of locally made works and intentionally crafted pieces across homewares, apparel, food and wellness. Featuring products by Salus Body, ceramists’ Mary-Lou Pittard and Chris Pittard, Food for Everyone, Ricordino and Brunetti Classico, several collaborators have created bespoke, custom pieces available only through Museums Victoria Store.

Among the highlights, Melbourne wellness brand Salus Body has created an exclusive, limited-edition bath and body range inspired by Roman bathing rituals. The collection features three premium products: a bath soak, facial mist and body oil, each formulated with botanical essential oils. These same scents will also be diffused throughout the exhibition, recreating the sensory atmosphere of Ancient Roman bathhouses for visitors.

Melbourne artists Mary-Lou Pittard and Chris Pittard showcase hand-built and hand-painted ceramics, designed exclusively for Museums Victoria Store. Their playful and expressive interpretations of Ancient Roman life result in one-off and small-batch pieces that are not available beyond this collection. Spanning both functional and decorative works, each piece reflects decades of experience and a distinctive, painterly approach to clay.

Alongside these collaborations, Museums Victoria Store presents a striking collection of homewares inspired by the motifs and monuments of Rome. Featuring everything from bold ROMA designs to playful ‘al dente’ pasta motifs, the range includes stylish accessories, apparel, homewares and gifts, all drawing on the art, architecture and everyday life of Ancient Rome and quintessential Italian/Australian culture.

A unique addition to the exhibition experience is the inclusion of Brunetti Classico, the iconic Melbourne-based Italian food emporium, with an exclusive outpost café just outside the exhibition space. Guests can enjoy a selection of traditional sweets and treats that celebrate authentic flavours and time-honoured techniques, alongside a curated retail range featuring mugs, candles and homewares.

Together, the range offers a sensory extension of the exhibition, letting visitors enjoy Roman-inspired design, scent, taste and touch long after they leave the gallery.

The ROME: Empire, Power, People retail collection is now available in-store at Melbourne Museum with selected items available online at Museums Victoria Store.