A highlight of any memorable exhibition is not only the curation or seeing the pieces on show — it’s discovering what special momentos lie at the gift shop.

For Melbourne Museum’s latest major showcase, ROME: Empire, Power, People, Museums Victoria has released an impressive new collection of apparel, gifts, homewares and more inspired by the motifs and monuments of Rome.

While the exhibition brings historic statues, artefacts and objects to Melbourne for the first time, the retail range features everything from Roman bathhouse scents to pasta-themed apparel.

Think of it as a celebration of where Italy meets Melbourne, with products available from favourite local artisan brands, including Food for Everyone and Ricordino.

Among the highlights is an exclusive range of bath and body products inspired by Roman bathing rituals from wellness brand Salus Body. You’ll even get to experience these same scents as they are diffused throughout the exhibition.

There’s also a playful collection of homewares created in-house at Melbourne Museum, such as the Al Dente Plate — an ode to Nonna’s famous pasta and other traditions shared around the table.

Plus, Melbourne artists Mary-Lou Pittard and Chris Pittard have hand-crafted a series of ceramics. Their expressive interpretations of Ancient Roman life result in one-of-a-kind pieces that are not available beyond this collection.

Spanning functional and decorative works like mugs, bowls, and dishes, each piece reflects decades of experience and a distinctive, painterly approach to clay cultivated over many decades.

With this new range, the Museum Victoria Store cements itself as a must-visit — and you can shop the collection in-store with or without a ticket to the exhibition!

The ROME: Empire, Power, People retail collection is now available in-store at Melbourne Museum with selected items available online at Museums Victoria Store.