The year is 79 AD in a quiet town near Naples, where life goes on as normal: work, thermal baths, shows, taverns… Until, in an instant, Mount Vesuvius awakens. What followed was one of the most famous tragedies in ancient history, burying Pompeii under a blanket of ash for centuries. Starting on March 20, the immersive experience The Last Days of Pompeii will come to life at IDEAL Montjuïc, revealing the secrets of daily life in the city and the terrible natural disaster that brought about its end. Tickets are now on sale: get yours here.
From strolling through the Villa of the Mysteries to fighting like a gladiator
Far from the classic idea of a museum, The Last Days of Pompeii seeks to combine history and technology to travel back in time. The exhibition, which won an award from National Geographic in 2024, begins with a collection of original archaeological pieces and exact replicas that provide context before taking the leap into immersion.
Next, 360º projections will transport visitors from the quiet cobbled streets to the exact moment when the eruption of Vesuvius unleashes chaos in the city. But the immersion goes one step further thanks to the metaverse, which will turn attendees into virtual avatars to walk freely through the famous Villa of the Mysteries.
The climax of the experience will come in the virtual reality room, where, atop a chariot and amid the cheers of the crowd, visitors will take part in gladiatorial battles and naval clashes in the city’s amphitheater.
Pompeii, the tragedy that froze time
This is the great paradox of Pompeii: the catastrophe that destroyed it is the same one that has allowed it to survive the passage of time. The layer of volcanic ash, a consequence of the eruption of Vesuvius, has protected the city from looting and deterioration: this is why Pompeii remains in an exceptional state of preservation.
Thanks to the excavations that began in the 18th century, we now know a great deal about the urban planning and daily life of Ancient Rome. And now, a fragment of that history will arrive in Barcelona next spring.
An experience for all audiences
History lovers, curious minds, young and old: The Last Days of Pompeii is the ideal combination of entertainment and learning. To enjoy the experience, you don’t need to know anything in advance: the exhibition itself provides all the historical context.
This makes it very accessible to people of all ages. The use of advanced virtual reality technology in metaverse and VR360 formats makes it easy for young visitors to learn about ancient history in a fun and interactive way, and invites adults to enjoy a slightly different cultural experience.