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 immersive experience that combines captivating soundscapes and large-scale digital projections with over 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.
Everyday life in an ancient city
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.
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.
You may also like
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 |
| Exhibition Member | Free |
Join Friends for member benefits including exclusive events and discounts in our Cafe and Shop.
Friends receive discounted exhibition entry or upgrade to Exhibition Member and enjoy unlimited access to Pompeii.
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.
You may also like
Spotlight conversations – Pompeii: A living heritage
Join us for a special conversation to mark the opening of Pompeii, where we will discuss the ancient past and the living legacy of this fascinating city.
- When
Sat 14 Dec 24, 2–3.30pm
- Where
Visions Theatre, National Museum
- 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 will share 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.
Exhibition tickets are selling fast. Please purchase your exhibition ticket in advance if you plan to visit the exhibition on the day.
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.
Become a member for Pompeii specials
Friends enjoy member benefits including exclusive events and discounted entry to the Pompeii exhibition.
Get unlimited access to Pompeii!
Upgrade your membership to Exhibition Member for an additional $50 per year per adult and enjoy unlimited entry to Pompeii.
And bring a buddy for free!
For a limited time, Friends who upgrade to Exhibition Member will 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.
Book a Friends exclusive event
Enjoy an evening with Museum experts as they share their experiences and behind-the-scenes stories.
Meet the Museum’s curators for an engaging talk and afternoon tea, before exploring the Pompeii exhibition at your own pace.
Deep dive into the upcoming exhibition with our curators Lily Withycombe and Catherine Czerw.
Join us to discuss Robert Harris’s Pompeii as he brilliantly recreates a luxurious world on the brink of destruction.