A Day in Pompeii Art Gallery of Western Australia (Perth)

A Day in Pompeii
Art Gallery of Western Australia
21 May – 12 September 2010

An exquisite collection of decorations, paintings and furnishings recovered from beneath the ancient ruins of Pompeii is among more than 250 priceless artefacts which feature in A Day in Pompeii, on show at the WA Museum until September 12, 2010.

Museum-goers will also receive an extraordinary insight into the buildings that once stood in the town and have captivated archaeologists since the 1700s.

Like most Western Australians, Pompeian tastes changed with the times and their homes often reflected current styles and trends.

When the colony was established in 80 BC, columns and architectural vistas were popular. As the years wore on, home decoration became more ostentatious. Many ancient frescoes featured vibrant colours and exotic designs.

Some of the fascinating architectural objects on display include ornate garden frescoes, striking marble and bronze sculptures, elaborate marble columns and everyday furniture like stools and tables.

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said people everywhere shared an enduring interest in Pompeii – the town, the devastation and the incredible stories that have materialised from the ashes.

“Since the exhibition opened at the Museum in May, we’ve welcomed a really diverse crowd, including school groups, families, uni students and retirees,” said Mr Coles.

“One of the reasons A Day in Pompeii has such broad appeal is because people can identify with many of the artefacts and the cultural practices these objects represent. It’s extraordinary just how many similarities can be drawn between the ancient Romans and Western Australians.”

Accompanying the objects is a series of interactive displays which also to paint a vivid picture of daily life in the Roman Empire. And a special 3D animation provides a glimpse into the dramatic volcanic eruption that wiped out Pompeii.

When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D the ancient Italian city of Pompeii was covered in layers of volcanic material. For thousands of years, the town was thought to be lost, destroyed by the devastating eruption.
Archeologists uncovered the remains of Pompeii in the 17th century. Remarkably, the city was largely intact, preserved by the volcanic ash and pumice that encased it.

Immerse yourself in the rich colours, classic styles and unique structures of ancient Rome at A Day in Pompeii.

Art Gallery of Western Australia