A new permanent exhibition in Pompeii is offering visitors a detailed account of the ancient city’s destruction, presenting the events of 79 A.D. through human stories, scientific evidence, and preserved remains. Opening on March 12, 2026, at the Palestra Grande, the display gathers 22 of the most well-preserved casts of victims alongside rare organic materials that shed light on the final moments before and after Mount Vesuvius erupted.
The exhibition is structured to serve both as a place of remembrance and a center for scientific learning. It outlines the sequence of the eruption and explains how plaster casts were created by filling voids in hardened ash, left behind after bodies decomposed. Pompeii remains the only archaeological site where this method has provided such detailed insight into victims’ final positions and conditions.
Italy’s culture minister, Alessandro Giuli, described the exhibition as a careful balance between scientific accuracy and respect for those who died. He noted that the display confronts the harsh reality of the disaster while maintaining dignity for the victims, presenting death in a way that is both direct and thoughtful.
A Scientific and emotional journey through the eruption
The exhibition path extends through the south and north porticoes of the Palestra Grande, a historic structure once used for physical training. The southern section focuses on volcanology and the mechanics of the eruption. Visitors encounter a reconstructed column of ash and lapilli rising about four meters high, illustrating the material that buried Pompeii.
This section also features preserved plant and animal remains, supported by images and texts linked to Pompeian frescoes, including newly discovered pieces. A video presentation further summarizes the eruption, offering a clear and engaging overview of the catastrophic event.
Human stories and modern accessibility
The northern section shifts attention to the human impact of the disaster. After a brief display of household elements, including casts of doors, visitors reach the main area dedicated to victims. This section is partially screened, allowing individuals to decide whether to engage with the more sensitive material.
The exhibition uses straightforward texts, archival photographs, and multimedia tools instead of elaborate design. It traces the history of cast-making from the 19th century to modern techniques, including CT scans that reveal internal details of some casts. Historical footage and records also explore how public perception of the victims has evolved over time.
Pompeii Archaeological Park Director Gabriel Zuchtriegel said the project represents the institution’s most complex museum effort. He emphasized that the exhibition aims to present the victims not as objects, but as reminders of human vulnerability and the value of life.
Accessibility is a central feature, with audio guides, sign language videos, tactile displays, 3D models, and Braille texts ensuring a wider audience can engage with the experience.