Step Back in Time to Pompeii in London's Immersive Experience
Stepping into the world of Pompeii is a unique experience that goes beyond watching films or reading about the ancient city. The immersive exhibition, The Last Days of Pompeii, transforms ExCel London into a vivid recreation of the lost city, allowing visitors to witness the events that led to its destruction nearly 2,000 years ago. This interactive journey offers more than just entertainment—it provides a powerful insight into the lives of those who once called Pompeii home, before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius claimed their lives.
The exhibition showcases an array of historical artifacts, including marble statues, armor, and frescoes, all carefully curated to tell the story of a once-thriving Roman city. Each display highlights the architectural grandeur and cultural richness of Pompeii, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants. As visitors move through the exhibits, they are taken on a journey that begins with the vibrancy of the city and ends with its tragic demise.
One of the most moving sections of the exhibition features 3D-printed replicas of the victims of the eruption. These lifelike figures, positioned in various poses, reflect the final moments of people who were caught in the disaster. The replicas are inspired by the pioneering work of Giuseppe Fiorelli, who developed a technique to create plaster casts from the hollow spaces left in the ash after the bodies decomposed. His method preserved the emotional expressions and postures of the victims, capturing their final moments in history.
The exhibition includes a variety of interactive experiences designed to engage visitors fully. One such feature is a seated VR experience that places you inside a Roman amphitheater, where you witness a thrilling gladiator battle. However, this moment of excitement is quickly interrupted as the eruption of Mount Vesuvius unfolds, leading to chaos and destruction. The VR experience ends with a breathtaking aerial view of the ruined city, leaving visitors with a sense of awe and vertigo.
Another highlight is a 360-degree projection room that immerses visitors in the daily life of Pompeii before the eruption. The realistic visuals trick the mind into believing you are truly there, with geckos crawling on the floor that you can almost stomp on—only to realize it’s all part of the projection.
After experiencing the eruption, visitors are guided to an archaeological room where they can simulate the process of digging for artifacts, much like real archaeologists did in the past. This hands-on activity adds another layer of engagement, making the history feel more tangible and personal.
The exhibition also includes a VR metaverse experience, where visitors can explore the Villa of Mysteries. Here, they can admire the stunning frescoed rooms, decadent gardens, and mosaicked bathhouses, all recreated in virtual reality. For a fun twist, an AI photobooth allows guests to transform into ancient patricians, with amusing results such as becoming brave gladiators or scheming Roman noblewomen.
The 16-week event will run for approximately 90 minutes at Immerse LDN in Excel Waterfront, London. Visitors can look forward to a captivating blend of history, technology, and storytelling that brings the past to life in a way never seen before.
