POMPEII, the summer’s must-see exhibition, presented only until September 12 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization
Gatineau, Quebec, August 24, 2005 — Few human tragedies have so captured our imagination as the one of Pompeii. The mere name conjures up images of the total devastation caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius 1,926 years ago today. Presented only until September 12, the exhibition POMPEII showcases close to 500 original artifacts recovered from the well-preserved ruins of Pompeii and surrounding areas.
“This exhibition is infused by the intensity of the inhabitants’ last moments as they fled the fury of Mt. Vesuvius” said Dr. Victor Rabinovitch, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC). “The objects carried by the victims or found near them give voice to their stories, and provide clues about Pompeian social life, culture and way of life.”
More than 95,000 visitors have seen POMPEII since it opened at the Museum on May 27. In Europe, more than 700,000 people enjoyed the exhibition since it first opened in March 2003, in Naples.
Since 1738, archaeologists have explored the ruins of Pompeii and of nearby towns. They have recently uncovered splendid masterpieces by goldsmiths, painters and sculptors in the towns destroyed by the volcano. Not only do these artifacts reveal the grandeur and opulence of the villas and city dwellings of the rich, famous and powerful, but they also show aspects of the everyday life of more humble people.
Among the original items featured in POMPEII, visitors will see frescoes, sculptures, jewellery, body casts and household items — from Pompeii, Herculaneum and other archaeological sites of the Vesuvian area, in Southern Italy.
After POMPEII closes at the CMC, the exhibition will travel to the Field Museum in Chicago, and later to Japan and China. Be sure to visit POMPEII before it closes on September 12.
Pompeii was developed by the Soprintendenza Archeologica di Pompei together with the Soprintendenza per i Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Caserta, and promoted by the Regione Campania-Assessorato ai Beni Culturali, with the support of the Compagnia di San Paolo and a contribution from the Autostrade Meridionali SpA.
Please note: to visit the Pompeii exhibition, regular admission + $5 (not applicable to children and members). Advance purchase is recommended; timed ticketing is in effect.
The admission to the Museum is free every Thursday after 4 p.m. and half price on Sundays. Pompeii ticket purchase required ($5 at Box Office, except children and members).
Media Information:
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7167
Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7169
Fax: (819) 776-7187
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