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
Between 2018 and 2020, archaeologists made 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 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 in France and the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.
The original Pompeii immersive production is from A Réunion des Musées Nationaux – Grand Palais, Gedeon Experiences and the Parco Archeologico di Pompei.
You may also like
| 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