Pompeii, one of the most fascinating cities of antiquity, will be brought back to life in 2024 at the Marx Halle in Vienna. From October 2, 2024 to January 5, 2025, visitors will immerse themselves in the tragic history of this Roman city, which was destroyed by the devastating eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The multi-sensory exhibition "The Last Days of Pompeii" offers a unique experience that combines history, art and the latest technology to create a thrilling journey through time. The organizer, Alegria Exhibition GmbH, has already enjoyed great success with this innovative exhibition in Madrid and promises an unforgettable experience for young and old in Vienna too.
A journey back in time to the heart of the ancient city
Pompeii was a wealthy trading town on the Gulf of Naples, known for its magnificent villas, thriving economy and lively population. With a population of around 10.000, the town enjoyed the prosperity of the Roman Empire and was a cultural and economic centre of the region. But everything changed in 79 AD, when the nearby volcano Vesuvius erupted, burying Pompeii under ash and lava. This tragedy is now one of the most famous events of antiquity and fascinates historians, archaeologists and visitors alike.
The exhibition in Vienna uses cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology to create a realistic and interactive depiction of the city of Pompeii in its final days. Visitors can walk through the ancient streets, enter magnificent villas and even take part in gladiator fights in the famous amphitheater - as if they were part of this fascinating era themselves. Particularly impressive is the opportunity to explore the Villa of the Mysteries, one of Pompeii's best-preserved buildings, known for its complex wall paintings.
Multisensory experiences: More than just an exhibition
The Last Days of Pompeii exhibition is far more than a traditional museum show. It combines captivating exhibits and artifacts from the Pompeii era with an immersive experience that appeals to all the senses. Visitors are not only visually transported back in time, but can also hear the sounds of the bustling streets, the rustle of clothing, and the cheers of the audience in the arenas. This multi-sensory approach to history allows you to experience first-hand the life of the ancient city and its sudden demise caused by the eruption of Vesuvius.
The success of this modern form of presentation is already evident in Madrid, where the exhibition opened in September 2023 and attracted 350.000 visitors within ten months. With this success behind it, the exhibition is now coming to Vienna, where it will open its doors in the Marx Halle. This location, known for its diverse cultural events, offers the perfect setting for the spectacular experience.
Pompeii in the Metaverse: Experience virtual worlds
A special highlight of the exhibition is the opportunity to experience Pompeii in the metaverse. Visitors can move freely around the ancient city in the form of virtual avatars and thus linger in places that are otherwise only known from history books. The amphitheater, the forum and the villas of the rich are just some of the highlights. The use of virtual reality enables an extraordinarily intensive immersion in the world of that time and offers a completely new perspective on life in the ancient city.
Particularly fascinating is the opportunity to experience the famous gladiator fights. The ancient Romans were known for their love of these spectacular competitions, and the exhibition brings this experience into the 21st century in a realistic and gripping way. Visitors sit virtually in the rows of a packed amphitheater and can experience the excitement and thrill of a gladiator fight.
An interactive experience for the whole family
The exhibition "The Last Days of Pompeii" is an adventure for the whole family. Thanks to the user-friendly VR technology and the interactive design, it is suitable for visitors of all ages. The history of Pompeii is not only educational, but also made accessible in a playful way. This allows younger visitors to immerse themselves in the world of antiquity and learn more about the Roman Empire and the life of the Pompeians in an exciting way.
With tickets starting at 25 euros, the exhibition offers an affordable cultural and educational experience that takes visitors back in time for around 90 minutes. There is no age limit, so families with children also have the opportunity to take part in this journey through time.
A look into the future of exhibition worlds
The exhibition in Vienna marks another step into the future of modern museum and exhibition concepts. Multisensory and immersive exhibitions are becoming increasingly important as they engage audiences in ways that go far beyond traditional viewing of exhibits. Using virtual reality and creating an interactive, tangible experience are the keys to getting people interested in historical topics while leveraging new technologies.
Alegria Exhibition GmbH has already made a name for itself with previous exhibitions such as "Monet's Garden", "Viva Frida Kahlo" and "Tutankhamun" and is once again relying on this tried and tested combination of art, history and modern technology with the Pompeii exhibition. Especially in times when classic exhibition formats are often perceived as "outdated", these innovative approaches show that history can be conveyed in an exciting and contemporary way.
An exhibition that brings history to life
The exhibition "The Last Days of Pompeii" in the Marx Halle in Vienna offers the unique opportunity to delve deep into the past and experience one of the greatest tragedies of antiquity up close. It combines fascinating historical exhibits with the latest VR technology to create a multi-sensory experience that takes visitors on a gripping journey into the last days of Pompeii. A highlight for history buffs, families and technology enthusiasts alike - this exhibition should not be missed.