Inside Melbourne Museum’s New Roman Empire Exhibition
It’s not every day you get to stand face-to-face with objects that are nearly 2,000 years old. Even less often, when you can do it without leaving Melbourne. So when we heard about the new Roman Empire exhibition, we were curious—would it feel like another history lesson, or something more immersive?
After a first look, we can say this: ROME: Empire, Power, People is one of the most engaging major exhibitions we’ve seen at Melbourne Museum in recent years—and well worth planning a visit around. Open from 1 April to 25 October 2026. Seniors Card tickets are $30.
Stepping into Ancient Rome in Melbourne
From the moment you enter, the exhibition feels thoughtfully paced and easy to follow. You’re guided through the rise and reach of the Roman Empire, from the aftermath of Julius Caesar’s fall to the height of imperial power.
What stands out is how human it all feels. Yes, there are grand statues and displays of power—but there’s just as much attention given to everyday life. It’s not just about the grand emperors but the everyday people and objects too.
You’ll see:
- Intricate mosaics and frescoes
- Jewellery and personal items
- Objects used in homes and marketplaces
- Sculptures of emperors, including a striking portrait of Augustus
Many of these pieces have never been seen in Australia before, drawn from major Italian institutions like Museo Nazionale Romano and Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze.
Kathy’s review
Melbournians and our country cousins love an ancient history exhibition! We have frequently enjoyed hosting the Egyptians, have entertained the Vikings several times and now we welcome back the Romans to our fair city. The contributions of the Roman civilisation to our world at large are represented magnificently in this latest event at the Melbourne Museum in Carlton.
Each visit to these travelling exhibitions offers the visitor the opportunity to extend their knowledge and insights into the world’s past and reflect on its relevance to the present. Whilst praising previous achievements, the aim is also to help us avoid replicating previous mistakes. In this modern age it is timely that relevant lessons be learnt from ancient Roman society and politics.
This exhibition focuses on the themes of Empire, Power and People. We observe gratefully the Romans’ feats of engineering such as road -making. We recognise with admiration the architecture, decorative columns, tessellations and plaster cornices that are typical of our own precious heritage buildings. Perhaps we may also nod thoughtfully at the antics of once venerated emperors and compare their behaviour to today’s world leaders.
The designs of the various display rooms that the Museum has developed are in themselves also worthy of comment. Clever and creative they indeed make a favourable impression. Lightweight columns form an aerial curtain in the room dedicated to Roman beliefs in the afterlife. A direct copy of an original fresco from the Museum of Rome is built to scale and is an obvious link to the designs of the British 19th century designer, William Morris. The obligatory Roman bathroom is simplistic, beautiful and enticing.
Monty Python’s question, “What have the Romans ever done for us?” whilst mischievous, it is also provocative for the list is seemingly endless! Add the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and we see that post the Roman empire, Italians have continued to set the highest of standards in all fields of innovation and creativity, such as fashion, film and motor cars, to name a few.
A pleasant surprise inclusion at the Melbourne Museum is one of the finest elements of Italian culture. Food. Brunetti’s has provided a pop-up café! An enlarged black and white photo of the elder Brunetti says it all. As a young boy working in the family’s first café decades ago, the image reflects the eternal Roman values of ambition, hard work, innovation and a deep pride in the quality of the finished product. To enjoy partaking in a coffee and sweet treat is almost a given.
Noticeable in this exhibition is that it is not as student/child-interactive as others have been. Perhaps school numbers will be fewer as a result. Many times I have enjoyed eavesdropping on the museum’s guides and school teachers, and been very impressed by their charges’ thoughtful, informed insights. I missed that enthusiastic buzz this time!
As visiting exhibitions go this is not one of our biggest, nevertheless we are grateful that we are again entrusted with treasures from one of the world’s most significant early civilisations. This bodes well for hosting many more historic exhibitions in the future. Perhaps the museum might consider the North American Inuit or Aztecs.
Like the Brunetti’s coffee and cannoli … More please!
More than just artefacts
What lifts this exhibition beyond a traditional museum display is the way it’s presented. There’s a strong use of scenography and multimedia, helping to bring the scale and spectacle of Rome to life without overwhelming the objects themselves.
One moment you’re considering the political power of emperors, the next you’re drawn into the drama of gladiatorial contests, then quietly reflecting on family life in Roman homes. We enjoyed having a rest midway in some Roman baths which even had a signature scent.
It’s varied, immersive, and—importantly—easy to take at your own pace. There are plenty of places to pause, read, and sit.
Related reading: Explore Melbourne Museum’s Timeless Collections
A full “Roman” day out
This isn’t just an exhibition—it’s a broader experience across the museum.
During the season, you’ll also find:
- An Italian-inspired dining offering, including an incredible pop-up by Brunetti Classico
- A refreshed menu at the museum’s Mercury Restaurant, with input from local Italian chefs
- A film series at IMAX Melbourne showcasing Italian cinema
- Drawing sessions under the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building
- Italian language tours and conversation sessions
It adds a lovely sense of occasion—you could easily turn this into a half-day or even a full-day outing.
The Brunetti Classico pop-up store is such a highlight, created especially for the exhibition. It’s a replica of the famous Carlton pasticceria, and it really feels like stepping into Rome. At the exhibition preview, we even met three generations of the Brunetti family, including Giorgio, now 92, who still works two days a week at the Carlton store.
Melbourne Museums Accessibility
Ramps are located throughout the building, as well as lift access, accessible toilets, an accessible cafe, and a gift shop. Additionally, wheelchair hire is available, but booking ahead is advised.
To assist people who have a hearing or speech impairment, there are services available, including hearing loops. For those who are blind or have low vision, tactile components are located throughout the museum, including within the lifts.
More accessible advice can be found on the museum’s website here as well.
Practical tips for visiting
If you’re planning a visit, a few things are worth knowing:
- Go early if you can: There’s a daily guided tour before general opening, which is a quieter way to experience the exhibition.
- Allow time: We spent around 90 minutes, but you could comfortably stretch that longer.
- Seating is available throughout, making it manageable at a relaxed pace.
- Stop at Brunetti’s: enjoy coffee and cake before or after as a fun way to extend on the Italian theme.
- Tickets: Seniors Card tickets are $30, and your ticket includes general entry to the rest of Melbourne Museum, which is well worth extending your outing for.
- Getting there: It’s an easy tram ride into Carlton, with stops right outside. You could also walk from Parliament station.
Exhibition details
Location: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton
Dates: 1 April – 25 October 2026
Ticket prices:
- Adult: $35
- Child: $15
- Concession/Senior: $30
- Museum member discounts available
Children under 3 enter free, and tickets include general museum entry.
Is it worth it?
In short—yes.
If you enjoy exhibitions that combine storytelling with beautiful objects—and you’re curious about how ancient history still shapes the world today—this is one to add to your list.
And really, when else do you get to spend an afternoon in Ancient Rome, then finish with a cannoli?
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The Seniors in Melbourne team attended as guests of Museum Victoria. All opinions are the writers’ own.
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