Pompeii The Exhibit: Life and Death in the Shadow of Vesuvius, a new exhibit featuring the largest collection of the victims’ body casts and skeletons ever displayed, as well as more than 250 artifacts, some never-before-seen, is making its world premiere at Discovery Times Square (226 W. 44th St.) now through September 5, 2011. The exhibit examines the life and death of the doomed residents of Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum, frozen in time by the massive eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the preservation of the Pompeii site.
Exhibit highlights include a collection of body casts (human impressions created from cavities found in the volcanic matter) and several hundred unearthed artifacts -- all of which capture the essence of daily life in Pompeii, from gold coins, jewelry and home furniture to everyday utensils, burial urns and gladiator armor, as well as a perfectly preserved loaf of bread. In addition, the exhibit features Pompeian frescos that survived the epic explosion.
“The Pompeii exhibit is so remarkable because it shows us how little life has changed from 2000 years ago to today. All of the dreams and problems of daily life are reflected in items that range from fancy paintings designed to impress their neighbors to homely kitchen utensils and graffiti. And this is all driven home by the body casts on display: in a way, they are so much more relatable to us than the austere marble statues of powerful people and gods that tend to crowd traditional museums,” says Kristin Romey, noted archeologist and curatorial consultant to Discovery Times Square.
The exhibit, curated by the Soprintendenza di Archaeologica Napoli e Pompei (SANP) and organized by Running Subway Productions, also includes an immersive movie experience featuring a time-lapsed video recreation of Vesuvius’ eruption. Visitors will also experience a Pompeian brothel room with an authentic erotic fresco and terra-cotta lanterns with erotic reliefs.
James Sanna, President and Executive Producer of Running Subway Productions, adds: “This unique new exhibit embodies the best that Discovery Times Square has to offer -- quality, historical stories that are brought to life right in front of visitors’ eyes. We are proud and excited to bring this exhibit to New York City as the world premiere.”
Discovery Times Square is open seven days a week. Last tickets are sold 60 minutes prior to closing. For individual tickets and venue hours, click here, call 866-9-TSXNYC (866-987-9692) or visit the Discovery Times Square box office. Tickets are available for $19.50 (child 4-12), $25 (adult) and $22.50 (senior, 65+). Special savings for groups of 15 or more with advanced reservations.
ABOUT DISCOVERY TIMES SQUARE Discovery Times Square (DTS) is New York City’s first large-scale exhibition center presenting visitors with limited-run, educational and immersive exhibit experiences while exploring the world’s defining cultures, art, history and events. More than a museum, DTS has featured a renowned line-up of exhibitions including Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Leonardo da Vinci’s Workshop and King Tut: Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs.
