What's On
Exhibition

ROME: Empire, Power, People

Wednesday 1 April to Sunday 25 October 2026

Featuring original statues, mosaics, frescoes, jewellery and everyday objects from the humblest to the most sumptuous, this Melbourne-exclusive exhibition is a vibrant exploration of Rome’s political, cultural and social life.

Marble Sarcophagus with carved scenes of prisoners.
Sarcophagus with scenes of prisoners from the end of 2nd Century CE. / Source: Museo Nazionale Romano

From the fall of Julius Caesar to the power and ambition of an Empire, the exhibition showcases the luxury of Imperial Rome, the spectacle of the gladiator arena, the bustling marketplaces and the everyday experiences of Romans.  

Explore Ancient Rome’s political, social and spiritual worlds through 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 ever.  

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. 

The exhibition, designed by Museums Victoria and developed in collaboration with Contemporanea Progetti and curators from Museo Nazionale Romano and Museo Archaeologico 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.

Organiser
Lenders
 
Major Sponsor
Major Donor
 
Cultural Partners
 
 
 
 
Media Partner

Includes museum entry

Adult $35

Senior/Concession $30

Child $15

Child Under 3 Free

Member Adult $28

Member Concession $24

Member Child $12

Flexible Entry $38.50 

Date & Time

Wednesday 1 April to Sunday 25 October 2026

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Melbourne Museum

Open daily 9am to 5pm

11 Nicholson Street, Carlton

More visiting information

Includes museum entry

Adult $35

Senior/Concession $30

Child $15

Child Under 3 Free

Member Adult $28

Member Concession $24

Member Child $12

Flexible Entry $38.50 

ACCESSIBILITY

Please view our accessibility page for general information. Contact our team on 13 11 02 or email us at [email protected] to discuss how we can support your visit.