Back to Pompeii: Immersive exhibition transports visitors to the heart of the Roman city

In the Back to Pompeii exhibition at Tour & Taxis, the ancient city has been meticulously recreated to immerse visitors in the daily life of its inhabitants before the deadly eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD.

By strolling through cobblestone streets, shops, taverns, public spaces and a family home while listening to an original soundtrack, the impending horror of that fateful morning is further amplified.

Scientific research ensures that the Belgian-produced experience provides insight into Roman antiquity history, as well as providing entertainment.

Professor of Roman archaeology at UCLouvain Marco Cavalieri acted as scientific collaborator for the exhibition, which aims to offer a novel approach to Pompeian archaeology.

“It's about combining a leisurely and accessible introduction for the general public, while maintaining a scientific perspective,” he points out.

The academic who has experience of archaeological digs at Pompeii ensured that there was both historical and conceptual coherence for the exhibition’s design.

Created in the Brussels workshops of Tempora, the Belgian agency that specialises in staging interactive cultural shows, the Pompeii experience focuses on real living spaces such as schools, shops, everyday places, as well as tangible objects.

The exhibition includes 1,200m2 of reconstructed decorative scenes, a fictional narrated audio guide recounting a family’s life before the fateful eruption, interactive installations, a VR gladiators’ combat and an immersive film that takes visitors to the heart of the catastrophe.

A second exhibition in Brussels is similarly dedicated to the Roman city, and runs until March. The Last Days of Pompeii at Brussels Expo focuses on digital projections, virtual reality, and immersive devices.

Back to Pompeii
Until 26 July
Tour & Taxis, Shed 4 bis
Avenue du Port 86C
Brussels

Photos: ©Tempora