Review: Pompeii Exhibition at the National Museum of Australia

On a last-minute whim, and before it closed on the 4th of May, I decided to use my time off from work wisely and head down to Canberra to go and see the Pompeii exhibition, being held at the National Museum of Australia.

Being ancient history nerd, who specializes in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, I knew I couldn't miss the opportunity to see a part of Pompeii whilst it was in Australia. Especially since I always try my hardest to get to any of the big exhibitions that come and tour Australia.

Fragment of a sundial, found in the House of Julius Polybius

This exhibition was an immersive, multi-media experience, that consisted of more than 90 artifacts and a projected street tableau, that culminated in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, that flooded the street projected scene with ash and debris, plunging the main concourse of the exhibition into near darkness, with the only light being projected onto the artifacts.

Along with the projection of the street scenes, were short informational videos talking about the continuing efforts at the site to uncover, document and conserve this fascinating part of history. Talked about food, lifestyles and housing. And even mentioned how the rediscovery of Pompeii, led to the beginnings of modern-day archaeological practices.

Mosaic Nymphaeum (water feature), found in the House of the Golden Bracelet

The artifacts on display covered everything from everyday items such as tweezers, jewelry and bread to large stunning pieces, such as frescos and mosaics. And in the spirit of it being a multi-media production, each area had a corresponding short film discussing the discovery and conservation of the objects, or of similar objects.

The exhibition also had a small handful of casts on display, of both human and animal variety. This include the cast of a dog, which is only one of three non-human casts that have currently come out of the archaeological site. Being able to catch a glimpse of these cast, so far away from their home, was extremely exciting to see. And served me as a reminder that, when the volcano erupted in 79 AD, such an idea would have been inconceivable. To think that nearly 2,000 years later, they are on display on the other side of the world.

Fresco of a garden scene, found in the House of the Golden Bracelet

Marble pilasters, found in the House of the Golden Cupids

All in all, I think that the immersive multi-media mixed in with artifacts of all kinds created an exciting and informative experience for visitors.

I truly felt immersed in the world and excitedly waited for the eruption to overtake the street tableau, every time I heard the beginning rumbling coming from the speakers. I also feel that the selection of artifacts on display helped display everyday life before, during and after the eruption in 79 AD. The information short films also taught me more about the archaeological site, than I knew going in. Which is saying something considering I have had to do an entire unit on Pompeii and Herculaneum as a part of my studies. If this exhibition is travelling anywhere else, I would highly recommend going and seeing it as it offers such an interesting perspective in the everyday life of the people of Pompeii. And the impact that the rediscovery of the city has had on so many people and the craft that is archaeology.