Step inside Pompeii and discover life in the ancient city before the fateful eruption of Mount Vesuvius almost 2,000 years ago.
Pompeii is an extraordinary new multi-sensory immersive experience that combines a spectacular 360-degree recreation of the volcanic eruption with more than 90 objects from the ancient city.
On show at the National Museum of Australia from 13 December 2024 to 4 May 2025.
Inside the lost city of Pompeii
Pompeii is eternally fascinating. The eruption of the volcano of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE destroyed the Roman city, but also preserved it.
For almost 300 years, excavations have been revealing what life was like in Pompeii. New excavations in the archaeological park set out to preserve, stabilise and better understand new areas of the ancient city.
Ancient treasures and immersive exhibition
Archaeologists continue to make extraordinary new discoveries – large houses with elaborate frescoes and mosaic floors, household objects and a snack bar with food still in pots.
Pompeii is the first time some of these newly discovered objects have been seen outside Europe.
Visitors will see stunning frescoes, jewellery, sculptures, pottery and other intriguing objects representing everyday life.
Advice to visitors
The Pompeii exhibition features loud noises and changing light levels. The gallery darkens every 15 minutes for a reenactment as Mount Vesuvius erupts.
Visitors may bring noise-cancelling headphones or visit during quiet hours sessions from early 2025.
The exhibition also includes copies of casts of some of the victims of the 79 CE eruption.
If you have any questions, please speak to our friendly Hosts.
Exhibition highlights
Pompeii partners
POMPEII is an exclusive collaboration with the Parco Archeologico di Pompei in Italy, the Grand Palais and GEDEON Experiences in France and the National Museum of Australia.
The original Pompeii Immersive is produced by Réunion des Musées Nationaux – Grand Palais and GEDEON Experiences with the collaboration of the Parco Archeologico di Pompei.
Pompeii ticket prices
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (16+) | $25 |
| Concession | $20 |
| Child (5–16 years) | $12.50 |
| Family (2 adults, 2 children) | $62.50 |
| Child (0–4 years) | Free |
| Friends adult | $17.50 |
| Friends child | Free |
| Friends Exhibition Member | Free |
Friends benefits
Friends receive discounted exhibition entry or upgrade to Exhibition Member and enjoy unlimited access to Pompeii.
Gift tickets
Treat family and friends with a Pompeii exhibition gift ticket.
Gift tickets are redeemable during Museum opening hours, any day until 4 May 2025. The exhibition is subject to capacity limits and wait times for entry may apply. Ticket is not transferable and not refundable.
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Pompeii: Inside the Lost City school excursions
3 February to 2 May 2025
Monday to Friday
Years 7–12
$15 per student, accompanying adults free
How has archaeological evidence shaped our understanding of everyday life in ancient Pompeii?
In this educator-led excursion, students will experience the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that buried Pompeii in 79 CE, destroying the ancient city but also preserving it as a remarkable record of daily life.
Large-scale digital projections, a captivating soundscape and the display of more than 90 objects from the Parco Archeologico di Pompei will immerse students in this once thriving Roman city.
Pompeii immersive experience
Students will investigate key features of Roman society as they wander the virtual streets of Pompeii, encountering frescoes, statues and graffiti, as well as smaller items such as jewellery and even some carbonised bread.
As part of this program, students will:
- Answer inquiry questions and reflect critically on the roles played by different groups in Roman society, such as women, slaves and the family.
- Participate in a collaborative, hands-on activity to develop their understanding of the beliefs, values and practices that shaped life in Pompeii.
- Learn about the history of archaeological work in Pompeii and consider how and why historical interpretations have shifted over time.
- Share their ideas and opinions about the value and reliability of historical sources, and the continuing relevance of the study of ancient societies.
Please note: This exhibition is highly sensory and includes the display of casts of bodies.
Canberra – there’s more than they’re telling us
Discover a city where world-class art and culture meet a thriving food and wine scene.
Accompany your craving for ancient world history with culinary delights, hidden bars, museums and galleries. Or wander along Canberra’s iconic Lonsdale Street in Braddon for boutique shopping.
Just a 35-minute drive from the city centre, explore the nearby cool-climate wine region, home to 140 vineyards and more than 40 wineries.
Canberra offers more than you expect and is ready to welcome you.
Plan your stay at VisitCanberra.
Meet our accommodation partner
Make your visit to the Pompeii exhibition truly unforgettable by staying at one of ALL.com’s exceptional hotels in Canberra.
Offering a diverse range of hotels, resorts, and apartments, delivering premium experiences and exceptional service. Enjoy unparalleled hospitality.
Book your next unforgettable stay at ALL.com.
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Spotlight conversations – Pompeii: A living heritage – SOLD OUT
Visitors joined us for a special conversation to mark the opening of Pompeii, for a discussion about the ancient past and the living legacy of this fascinating city.
Missed out or want to hear this conversation again? Keep an eye on ABC Radio National's Big Ideas in early 2025 for a special broadcast of this event.
- When
Sat 14 Dec 24, 2–3.30pm
- Where
Visions Theatre, National Museum
More on getting here- Accessibility
This event will be live captioned
More on accessibility- Tickets
$15 Adult
$12.50 Concession
$10 FriendsTicket price does not include exhibition entry
From recent discoveries and immersive experiences to contemporary archaeology and the challenges of managing a World Heritage site, this conversation shared fresh perspectives on one of the world’s best-known archaeological sites.
Featuring Virginia Trioli, journalist, broadcaster and author, in conversation with:
- Professor Steven Ellis, Classics and Roman Archaeology, University of Cincinnati
- Dr Sophie Hay, Press and Communications Officer, Parco Archeologico di Pompei
- Dr Lily Withycombe, Curator, National Museum of Australia
Spotlight conversations is a regular series of events exploring thought-provoking ideas inspired by the Museum’s exhibitions and collections, featuring experts, knowledge holders, creatives and thought leaders.
Supported by the Embassy of Italy in Canberra.
Meet our speakers
Virginia Trioli is a journalist, broadcaster and author. A two-time Walkley Award winner, she is currently host of ABC TV’s Creative Types and is the former host of ABC News Breakfast, Q&A and ABC Melbourne. Her latest book, A Bit on the Side: Reflections on What Makes Life Delicious, is a celebration of Australian food culture and a reminder to savour life’s small joys.
Professor Steven Ellis is an Australian-born archaeologist interested in ancient cities and urban life. Currently Professor of Classics and Roman Archaeology at the University of Cincinnati, he has led significant excavations at Pompeii and Tharros, Sardinia. His books include The Making of Pompeii (2011), The Roman Retail Revolution (2018), and The Porta Stabia Neighborhood at Pompeii (2023).
Dr Sophie Hay is an archaeologist currently working in the Press and Communications Office at Parco Archeologico di Pompei. Her love of this archaeological site began more than 20 years ago while working on the ‘Insula I.9 Pompeii Project’, which explored daily life in a block of Roman houses. Sophie has featured in and provided expertise for television documentaries and podcasts on urban life in Pompeii.
Dr Lily Withycombe is a curator at the National Museum of Australia. With a background in Roman archaeology, she has worked on major international exhibitions such as Rome: City and Empire, Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors and Heroes, Discovering Ancient Egypt as well as Pompeii. She is particularly interested in making such exhibitions relevant for Australian audiences and exploring how ancient pasts can illuminate the present.
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Become a member for Pompeii specials
Friends enjoy member benefits including exclusive events and discounted entry to the Pompeii exhibition.
Upgrade your membership to Exhibition Member for an additional $50 per year per adult and enjoy unlimited entry to Pompeii.
For a limited time, Friends who upgrade to Exhibition Member also receive a complimentary guest ticket – perfect for treating a family member or friend.
Your free guest ticket can be used at any time during the exhibition period.
To upgrade to Exhibition Member call the Friends team on 02 6208 5108.
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