Presented by Melbourne Museum.

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.

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 180 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, will draw on the extraordinary collections of the Museo Nazionale Romano and the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze, 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.

When: 9am to 5pm daily, until 25 October 2026

Where: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton VIC

Cost: Adult $35, Senior $30, Child $15, Concession $30, Member Adult $28, Member Child $12, Member Concession $24, Child Under 3 Free, Flexible Entry $38.50

Registration: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/rome-empire-power-people/