In the year 79 A.D., in a quiet town near Naples, life went on as usual: work, thermal baths, shows, taverns… Until, in an instant, Mount Vesuvius erupted. What followed was one of the most famous tragedies in ancient history, burying Pompeii under a blanket of ash for centuries. Through September 21, IDEAL Montjuïc is hosting the immersive experience *The Last Days of Pompeii*, which reveals the secrets of daily life in the city and the natural disaster that brought about its end. Get the last remaining tickets.
If you live in Barcelona, take note: starting August 1, the exhibition will offer a 30% discount on the general admission price. Discounted tickets will be available by applying the code IDEALRESIDENT during the online purchase process. And remember: when you go to *The Last Days of Pompeii*, you must bring your ID—you’ll be asked for it at the ticket counter when validating your discounted tickets.
From strolling through the Villa of the Mysteries to fighting like a gladiator
A far cry from the traditional museum experience, *The Last Days of Pompeii* seeks to combine history and technology to take visitors on a journey through time. The exhibition, which won an award in 2024 from the readers of National Geographic’s +Historia, has already attracted more than 100,000 visitors.
The journey begins with a collection of original archaeological artifacts and exact replicas that provide context before you take the plunge into the immersive experience.
The climax of the experience comes in the virtual reality room, where, atop a chariot and amid the cheers of the crowd, visitors take center stage in gladiator battles and naval engagements in the city’s amphitheater.
Next, 360° projections transport visitors from the quiet cobblestone streets to the exact moment when the eruption of Vesuvius unleashed chaos on the city. But the immersion goes one step further thanks to the metaverse, which transforms attendees into virtual avatars so they can walk freely through the famous Villa of the Mysteries.
Pompeii: The Tragedy That Froze Time
This is the great paradox of Pompeii: the catastrophe that destroyed it is the very same one that has allowed it to survive the passage of time. The layer of volcanic ash, a result of the eruption of Vesuvius, has protected the city from looting and decay—which is why Pompeii remains in such an exceptional state of preservation.
Thanks to excavations that began in the 18th century, we now know a great deal about the urban layout and daily life of Ancient Rome. And now, a piece of that history can be visited in Barcelona.
An experience for all ages
History lovers, the curious, adults, and children alike: “The Last Days of Pompeii” is the ideal combination of entertainment and learning. You don’t need to know anything beforehand to enjoy the experience— the exhibition itself provides all the historical context.
For this very reason, it’s very accessible to people of all ages. The use of advanced virtual reality technology in the metaverse and VR360 formats makes it easy for young visitors to learn about a part of ancient history in a fun and interactive way, while inviting adults to enjoy a cultural outing with a twist. But the best part of this journey into the past is experiencing it with others: the exhibition offers the perfect opportunity to surprise your family with an outing that combines culture and technology.
How to Visit “The Last Days of Pompeii”: Location and Tickets
IDEAL Centre d’Arts Digitals temporarily moved to the Palau Victòria Eugènia in Montjuïc to host *The Last Days of Pompeii*. Now, as the immersive exhibition is about to close its doors in Barcelona, we’ve summarized all the key details for your visit.
How to get there
IDEAL MONTJUÏC is located at the Palau Victòria Eugènia. The area is well-connected and accessible by both public and private transportation:
- Metro: L1, L3, and L8
- Train: R1, R4, R5, R11, and S3
- Bus: 46, 55, D20, H12, and H16
- Funicular: FM (Montjuïc Funicular) and the Montjuïc Cable Car
Ticket Types
The experience is designed to be accessible to all audiences, with different ticket options:
- General Admission (ages 13 and up): €16.50.
- Children: €12.50. Children under 3 get in free.
- Reduced rate: €12.50. Applicable to people over 65, large or single-parent families, and people with disabilities or limited mobility.
- Family Pack: €40, for 2 adults and 2 children.
