Ancient Rome, Comedy Giants, and Play School Fun in Melbourne Today

A Journey Through Time at Melbourne Museum

Today marks a major milestone at the Melbourne Museum with the ongoing blockbuster exhibition, ROME: Empire, Power, People. This Melbourne-exclusive event brings the grandeur of the Eternal City to Carlton, featuring over 150 original artifacts including statues, mosaics, and intricate jewelry. Visitors can explore the daily lives of ancient Romans, from the spectacle of the gladiator arena to the politics that shaped the empire. Additionally, today is a special day for the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre within the museum, as it hosts the opening of several key displays including the First Peoples exhibition and the Milarri Garden Trail. For those with toddlers in tow, the museum’s Tiny Tours also run every Tuesday, offering guided adventures specifically designed for little explorers.

Laughter Across the City

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is in full swing today, transforming the city into a global hub for humor. With hundreds of shows happening at various venues, from the iconic Town Hall to local bars, there is something for every comedic taste. Major acts performing today include Kitty Flanagan at the Regent Theatre, bringing her Glad Game show to the stage. Whether you are looking for big-name headliners or emerging local talent, the festival atmosphere is palpable across the CBD, making it the perfect night to catch a set and experience the third-largest comedy festival in the world.

New Beginnings at ACMI

Families have a brand-new reason to visit Federation Square today as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) launches its latest exhibition: Play School: Come and Play!. Opening this Tuesday, April 7, this interactive experience celebrates 60 years of the beloved Australian children's program. Kids can step onto the set, meet favorites like Big Ted and Jemima, and even try their hand at being a camera operator. The exhibition is free, though booking a spot is recommended to ensure entry into this nostalgic journey through screen history.

Markets and Community Screenings

For those looking for a morning stroll, the historic Queen Victoria Market is open today from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm. It is the ideal time to beat the weekend crowds, grab some fresh farm produce, or browse the unique handmade crafts in the open-air sheds. If you prefer a more community-focused afternoon, the Reservoir Library is hosting a special screening of the Spanish comedy-drama Rosa's Wedding today. This charming film follows a woman’s journey toward self-determination and is a great way to enjoy local library facilities.

Theater and the Arts

The city's theater scene remains vibrant this Tuesday evening. At the Southbank Theatre, the Melbourne Theatre Company is presenting West Gate, a powerful production running in the Sumner. Meanwhile, the hit musical The Book of Mormon continues its successful run at the Princess Theatre, offering a high-energy option for musical fans. Over at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), the Westwood | Kawakubo fashion exhibition and the Mother: Stories from the NGV Collection are open for those wishing to immerse themselves in world-class art and design.