On August 24 in A.D. 79, the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were buried by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Many people were unable to escape in time, and were killed by noxious gases, intense heat and volcanic debris.

These buried cities remained lost for more than 17 centuries, and it was only in 1748 that they began to be rediscovered, and sporadically revealed, by archaeologists. Today, the internationally renowned treasures of Pompeii and Herculaneum have become the most important group of buildings, and the most complete and intact archaeological remains, of their time.

More recently, the discovery of complete buildings – as well as splendid, and previously unknown, masterpieces of silverware, painting and sculpture – have revived an interest in even the most mundane details of daily life in this region during the Roman Empire. In addition, moulds taken of some of the volcano's victims during the first archaeological digs evoke the unfortunate end of those living in the shadow of Vesuvius on that fateful day.

In this exceptional new exhibition, built around the "stories" of individuals who were taken by surprise when Vesuvius erupted and who tried in vain to flee the inevitable, the results of archaeological digs and scientific research provide visitors with an experience that is rich in both emotion and discovery.

Advance purchase recommended; timed ticketing in effect. Regular admission + $5 (not applicable to children and members). For information or advanced ticket purchase call: (819) 776-7000 or 1 800 555-5621: Telephone ticket purchase service fee of $1.50 per ticket applicable.

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.

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