Location: Level 3

What nature destroyed, it also preserved. Hundreds of exceptional artifacts offer an insider's glimpse into the daily life--and tragic end--of this ancient Roman city that was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. On display are archaeological treasures that lay buried in Pompeii's ruins, preserved as if sealed in a time capsule.

Highlights include marble and bronze sculptures, jewelry, gold coins, everyday household items, and more. 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.

Things to Consider:

The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius tragically buried some people and animals in Pompeii.  After their death, a cavity remained in the petrified ash where their bodies had been.  Scientists later filled these cavities with plaster, and thus created a plaster cast of the people and animals.    A Day in Pompeii includes 11 copies of casts in the exhibition.  There are no human remains in the exhibition. 

Additionally, the celebration of fertility and depictions of the human body were an inherent part of Roman life.  A Day in Pompeii includes a handful of frescos (Roman art pieces) and household items that include depictions of unclothed persons, as well as copulation.  However, these are displayed tastefully within a cultural context and are not a significant part of the exhibition.

All ages and grades are welcome to visit A Day in Pompeii. Teachers are encouraged to decide if the material is appropriate for their students.