ROME: Empire, Power, People is an internationally significant showcase in Australia for the first time, and will feature more than 150 rare artefacts on loan from the Museo Nazionale Romano and the National Archaeological Museum of Florence.
Fragments of pottery, mosaics, frescoes, everyday objects and iconic pieces of great historical value will offer a carefully curated window into the thriving world of the Roman Empire—a civilisation whose influence on art, architecture and contemporary society remains unmistakable.
The exhibition promises an experience that bridges ancient Rome with the modern city, guiding visitors into the cradle of Western culture.
“I'm proud to announce that in 2026 the Melbourne Museum will host one of the most significant international exhibitions, ROME: Empire, Power, People, designed exclusively by Melbourne Museum,” said Mary Stuart, President of the Museums Board of Victoria.
“The exhibition will bring back to life the story of one of the world’s most powerful civilisations—a legacy that continues in every Italian innovation we celebrate tonight. We look forward to welcoming you all.”
Romina Calabrò, Director of Commercial Operations and Development at Museums Victoria and a member of the team shaping the exhibition experience, highlighted the essential role of Italian community support.
“ROME: Empire, Power, People would not be possible without the strong backing of the Italian community,” she said.
“Developed in collaboration with Contemporanea Progetti of Florence, the exhibition features artefacts from the Museo Nazionale Romano and the National Archaeological Museum of Florence, and is supported by the Victorian Government and our key partners.
“Rome is not only the heart of Italian history and culture—it is a universal symbol of art, beauty and tradition,” she added.
The announcement came with a short preview video showing statues, mosaics, frescoes, jewellery and everyday items—glimpses into the lives, ambitions and contradictions of imperial Rome.
More than 150 artefacts dating from the 1st to the 3rd century AD will be displayed in Melbourne for the first time, establishing the museum as a major cultural hub.
Designed by Museums Victoria in collaboration with Italian curators, the exhibition will feature an immersive layout in which ancient materials are paired with contemporary scenography, multimedia content and a refined, detail-driven installation.
The experience will extend well beyond the exhibition itself. “We want people to feel a complete immersion—from the exhibition they visit, to the food they eat, the coffee they drink, the films they watch,” Calabrò explained.
She outlined a broad series of initiatives: Italian food pop-ups, a restaurant overlooking the Royal Exhibition Building, IMAX screenings, themed evenings, Italian-style dance nights and educational programs for students—all contributing to a kind of “temporary Italian city” designed to welcome visitors of all ages.
This will be a rare opportunity for Australian audiences to engage directly with primary sources from antiquity in a meticulously crafted setting.
The exhibition will open to the public on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, and will run until Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Melbourne Museum.
