The exhibition „Pompeii. Life and Death in the Shadow of Vesuvius”

Almost two thousand years ago occurred one of the biggest tragedy in the history of mankind. The eruption of Vesuvius in the year 79 A.D. put an end to Pompeii – one of numerous cities of the Roman Empire. Toxic volcanic fumes and hot ashes killed all signs of life. All, who didn’t managed to get away, died. In the short time, bustling streets, squares, temples and baths were buried under a few meter thick layer of  ashes from the crater. Pompeii fell silent and a time stopped…

In the place of tragedy, tedious and intensive excavations have been conducted for over 270 years. Thanks to a painstaking work of generations of archaeologists, suspended in time “ghost town” slowly reveals its mysteries. Paradoxically, deadly ashes created a protective layer. You need only to look underneath, to find yourself in antique Pompeii.

The life of an ancient city is shown on the exhibition in Archaeological Museum in Krakow. At the foot of the Wawel castle,  the reality of flourished city a moment before a catastrophe is reconstructed. Original objects, that survived the cataclysm, were borrowed from Italy, from National Archaeological Museum of Naples – Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli. The exhibition, with over 100 exhibits displayed, such as: frescoes, marble statues, items made of silver, bronze, iron and glass reconstructs, in original scenography, an everyday life of ancient citizens of Pompeii, their religious customs, political life, bath, kitchen surroundings as well as their medicine and the world of gladiators. The destruction of the city is shown in a spectacular way.

Unique exhibits from one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world have been admired so far, among others, in British Musem in London, in Washington, Seattle or in Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. Kraków is joining the elite group and as a first in Poland and so far an only one, becomes a host of an excellent, world-class collection. The exposition is a great event in Polish museology. We are grateful to our Hungarian partners for a proposal of its organisation and a big help with its realisation. The exhibition has its significance for strengthening diplomatic ties between Italy and Poland. Celebrating its 100^th anniversary one can summon the words of Polish anthem: from an Italian land to Poland.

Calendar:  October 5th 2019 – March 8th 2020

Opening hours:

Mon-Fri: – 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Sat:        – 10:00 am – 6:00 p.m.

Sun:       – 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Venue:

Archaeological Museum in Krakow

Poselska 3 Street