Advice to visitors

The Pompeii exhibition features a representation of a volcanic eruption using large-scale projections and soundscapes. It happens every 15 minutes and involves loud noises and changing light levels.

Sensory map

The sensory map can help you plan your visit. It identifies the locations of large-scale projections, overhead speakers and distressing content. It also includes the location of exhibition seating.

Quiet hours

Visitors who prefer a quieter experience can visit during quiet hours. Book a quiet hours session with reduced noise and sensory experiences in the exhibition from 4pm to 6pm on 4 February, 4 March or 1 April.

Content warning

The exhibition includes copies of casts of some of the victims of the 79 CE eruption. They represent 4 people (3 adults and 1 child) and a dog in their final moments.

Seating

Seating is available in the exhibition and is identified on the sensory map.

Hearing loop

All documentary videos have an associated hearing loop, use the ‘T’ switch for direct transmission. Hearing loop locations are identified on the sensory map.

Pass outs

Pass-out wristbands are available from our Host team if you need a break from the exhibition. These allow re-entry to the exhibition on the same day only.

Sensory components

About the immersive experience

The eruption happens every 15 minutes and involves loud noises and changing light levels. The effect is focused on the central part of the exhibition and the total run time of the eruption is less than 1 minute. The least affected part of the exhibition is the first section, which does not have any large-scale projections.

What to expect during the eruption:

• 0–24 seconds: rumbling and ash cloud on volcano projection only
• 24–30 seconds: raining ash on all screens
• 30–38 seconds: ash cloud sweeps through gallery, starting at volcano projection and extending to surrounding walls
• 38–45 seconds: exhibition in darkness
• 45–50 seconds: exhibition slowly returns to its original state.

Please note that timings are approximate.

Video content

All documentary video content is subtitled and includes a timer in the bottom right corner that indicates the total length the video and how much time is left.

Audio content

The exhibition features many audio components using overhead directional speakers. Sound-sensitive visitors may wish to bring noise-cancelling headphones or use disposable ear plugs that are available from the Information Desk.

Light levels

Apart from the eruption, light levels in the exhibition are consistent. The only major changes are at the entry (bright to dark) and the exit into the exhibition shop (dark to bright).

More on accessibility at the Museum

Plan your visit and find information about parking, toilets and more on accessibility at the Museum.