In a Melbourne exclusive, the exhibition ROME: Empire, Power, People will draw on the collections of two of Italy’s most prestigious museums – Museo Nazionale Romano and Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze – to allow Australians to dive into Rome’s political, cultural and social life across one of the greatest eras in history.
‘This exhibition offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to stand before treasures nearly 2,000 years old and feel the pulse of a civilisation that shaped the world,’ says Lynley Crosswell, CEO and Director of Museums Victoria.
Federica Montani, Head of Exhibitions at Contemporanea Progetti, adds: ‘Our goal was to craft an exhibition that allows visitors to step into the heart of Ancient Rome – to create an experience that reveals not only the Empire’s grandeur, but also the humanity of the people who shaped its history.’
She continues: ‘Through close collaboration with our Italian museum partners and Museums Victoria, we sought to create a dynamic journey through a civilisation that continues to inspire the modern world.’
What from the Roman Empire will visitor see?
Designed by Museums Victoria and developed in collaboration with Contemporanea Progetti, and curators from both museums, ROME: Empire, Power, People will be a layered and sensory exhibition experience, where audiences will step back in time, which Rome brought to life through an array of 150 objects dating from the Imperial period 1st Century CE to the 3rd Century CE.
We are talking the fall of Julius Caesar, gladiators, and the Empire in all its splendour.
These are objects we don’t get to see in Australia, and yet for students, history buffs and Italophile’s alike there is an enduring fascination of this period, which has been captured countless times on the big screen. Now, that history can suddenly feel real.
You can expect to see original statues, mosaics, frescoes, jewellery and everyday objects that were used in Julius Caesar’s time, among other emblems of the Empire and its power and politics, showcasing sophistication and luxury of Imperial Rome.
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Rome will be brought to life with scenography and multimedia giving visitors an immersive experience and vivid portrait of a civilisation that continues to shape our world today. IMAX Melbourne will also host special event screenings of Italian classics and contemporary films during the exhibition season, complementing the themes and narratives of the exhibition.
Museums Victoria Courses will also launch a series of adult learning experiences that explore the innovation, artistry and legacy of ancient Rome through expert talks, tours and behind-the-scenes insights.
ROME: Empire, Power, People will open at Melbourne Museum on 1 April and run to 25 October 2026. This is a ticketed exhibition.
The exhibition is supported by the Ministero della Cultura, Dipartimento per la valorizzazione del patrimonio culturale and Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Toscana.
