DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE BRINGS POMPEII TO DENVER IN BLOCKBUSTER EXHIBITION

A Day in Pompeii Opens September 14; Tickets on Sale August 24, the Anniversary of the AD 79 Mount Vesuvius Eruption

Denver-August 7, 2012-On August 24, AD 79, Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying the vibrant Roman city of Pompeii under volcanic ash for hundreds of years. Beginning Friday, September 14, the Colorado community will have the opportunity to explore the daily life-and tragic end-of this thriving metropolis when A Day in Pompeii opens at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.  Visitors will uncover the treasures of a city steeped in legend, examine casts of the volcano's victims frozen in their last moments, and discover the power of volcanoes past and present.

Pompeii's rediscovery in the early 1700s-building by building, street by street, and block by block-became one of the greatest archaeological sites ever unearthed. A Day in Pompeii showcases more than 250 exceptional artifacts that lay buried in the ruins-including room-size frescoes, marble and bronze sculptures, jewelry, gold coins, and everyday household items. The 13,000-square-foot exhibition evokes the richness, culture, and bustle of daily life in Pompeii.

In addition to seeing rare artifacts, visitors will experience what it was like to live in ancient Pompeii as they enjoy digital re-creations, activity carts, and conversation with the Museum's historical enactors.

"We are thrilled to offer this once-in-a-lifetime experience to our visitors," said George Sparks, President and CEO of the Museum. "This exhibition provides a compelling view of Ancient Rome right here in modern-day Denver."

Ticket Launch

Tickets go on sale on Friday, August 24, the anniversary of the AD 79 Vesuvius eruption. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.dmns.org/pompeii.

Exhibition Highlights

Pompeii's homes, gardens, businesses, and culture come to life through richly colored frescoes, mosaics, furniture, ovens, luxurious and everyday plates and bowls, wine jugs, coins, fishhooks, statues from Greek and Roman myths, cremation urns, necklaces, bracelets, and bronze helmets and shin guards. Interactive carts explore the geology of volcanoes, the daily life of Pompeians, mythology, and Pompeii's clothing. The exhibition also poignantly displays more than 10 resin casts created from the original molds of the remains of citizens and animals captured in their final moments.

More Information

A Day in Pompeii is based on the design and presentation developed by the Gulf Coast Exploreum, the Science Museum of Minnesota, the San Diego Natural History Museum, and Discovery Place. Organized by Soprintendenza Speciale per i Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompei (SANP). For additional information visit www.dmns.org/pompeii

Press Contact

Charlotte Hurley, charlotte.hurley@dmns.org, 303-370-6407

About the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain Region's leading resource for informal science education. A variety of engaging exhibits, discussions and activities help Museum visitors celebrate and understand the natural wonders of Colorado, Earth and the universe. The Museum is located at 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205.  To learn more about the Museum, check www.dmns.org, or call 303-370-6000.

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Many of the Museum's educational programs and exhibits are made possible in part by the citizens of the seven-county metro area through the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District.