Melbourne, 30 March 2026 – The major exhibition “Rome: Empire, Power, People” was inaugurated today in Melbourne. It has been produced by the Melbourne Museum in collaboration with the Museo Nazionale Romano and the Museo Archeologico di Firenze, with organizational support from Contemporanea Progetti.
The exhibition represents an unprecedented event in the Australian cultural landscape. For the first time, more than 160 original artefacts and archaeological masterpieces have left Italy to share the extraordinary history of the Roman Empire with Australian audiences.
Beyond emperors and conquests, “Rome: Empire, Power, People” offers an immersive insight into daily life in ancient Rome, giving voice to the men and women who built a civilization that would profoundly shape the history of the Western world.
At the heart of the project lies the sinergia between Italian and Australian museum institutions, strengthened by the support of the Consulate General of Italy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Melbourne. Both institutions played a key role in fostering connections between local cultural bodies and Melbourne’s vibrant Italian cultural and business community.
The contribution of private sponsors has also been crucial, particularly that of the Pellicano family and the brand Brunetti Classico, which for the occasion will open a café within the museum, further enhancing the visitor experience. Other prominent Italian-Australian entrepreneurial families supporting the project include the Crema, Scalzo, and Lanteri families.
“This exhibition represents far more than a cultural event: it is a tangible symbol of the deep dialogue between Italy and Australia,” stated the Italian Ambassador to Australia, Nicola Lener, in his opening remarks. He also noted that “through these extraordinary artefacts, we share not only our history, but a living heritage that continues to inspire the contemporary world.”
The Minister for Creative Industries of the State of Victoria, Colin Brooks, also spoke, underscoring the high institutional and international profile of the initiative. “Victoria is proud to host an exhibition of such international significance,” the Minister said, adding that “events like this strengthen Melbourne’s position as a global cultural capital and offer the public unique experiences that bring together education, creativity, and participation.”
The opening event also featured a video message from the directors of the Museo Nazionale Romano and the Museo Archeologico di Firenze, key partners in the project, who highlighted the scientific and cultural value of the collaboration.
More than an exhibition, it is a cultural bridge between Italy and Australia. The exhibition will be accompanied by a rich program of events dedicated to tourism, education, and cultural exchange, further consolidating an already strong dialogue between the two countries.
“Rome: Empire, Power, People” will be open to the public at the Melbourne Museum from 1 April until the end of October 2026.
