Opening Day for “Pompeii: The Exhibition” at Graceland Exhibition Center

The Memphis premiere of “Pompeii: The Exhibition” will feature over 150 original artifacts from Pompeii; to open for a limited time at the Graceland Exhibition Center.

The world-renowned traveling exhibition Pompeii: The Exhibition is set to arrive in Memphis this November. The acclaimed exhibition allows guests to step back in time and experience one of nature’s most powerful moments through the amalgamation of a plethora of priceless artifacts and hands-on multimedia productions. The collections are staged in 79 A.D., just hours before life in Pompeii was simultaneously fixed and lost in time for centuries by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. 

The exhibition’s opening day is scheduled for Nov. 15 at the Graceland Exhibition Center, located at Elvis Presley’s Graceland. Patrons from across the region are invited to access presale tickets for the blockbuster exhibition at PompeiiTheExhibition.com.

“We built the Graceland Exhibition Center with the goal of bringing high-quality exhibitions to Memphis, and this is the perfect opportunity to showcase an incredible piece of history here at Graceland,” says Graceland’s Vice President of Archives and Exhibits, Angie Marchese. “We are excited to work with NEON, who provide their guests with a unique experience with the ability to travel through time and immerse themselves in Pompeii with breathtaking, real-life examples of archeology, geology, earth-science, art history, culture and more.”

On August 24, 79 A.D., the city of Pompeii, a thriving port of the Roman Empire, was frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, burying the city and its people. Remarkably, the same ash and debris from Vesuvius’ unexpected eruption that destroyed the city also preserved it until archaeologists stumbled upon the lost city more than 1,700 years later. The conservation of the city has provided our world with a rare and unique record of Pompeii’s daily life – roads, buildings, municipal services, paintings, mosaics and more – encapsulated in pristine condition and highlighted in this exhibition.

POMPEII: The Exhibition tells the tale of a city hidden from view and forgotten for centuries through an incredible combination of artifacts and ground-breaking immersive technology. Guests can expect to see over 150 irreplaceable artifacts ranging from gladiator armor and weapons to vibrant murals and hand-crafted furniture, alongside beautiful jewelry, medical instruments, cooking ware, and statues. Perhaps the most breathtaking artifacts are the full body casts of those who perished during this incredible volcanic event. Each of these objects provide a comprehensive view of how the people of Pompeii lived, loved, worked, worshipped, and found entertainment before disaster struck. These artifacts are on loan from the unparalleled collection at The Naples National Archaeological Museum in Italy and the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. They are supplemented by projections, audio, video and photographic murals, which put guests in the middle of this lively hub on its most historic day.

Upon entering the exhibition, guests will be transported back to an idyllic Roman city with dramatic reconstructions of Pompeii and the nearby volcano through a stunning video recreation. They will then view the artifact gallery before witnessing thrilling gladiatorial combat through a holographic display. Following this, patrons are completely immersed in a brand-new 4D theater that takes them through the different stages of Mount Vesuvius’ eruption and simulates the massive impact on this ancient city. This all culminates with the reveal of full-body casts of twisted human forms, asphyxiated by extreme heat and noxious gases, forever frozen in time.

John Norman, President of NEON’s Creative Division, producer of POMPEII: The Exhibition, spoke to the exhibition’s fusion of history and technology saying, “The story of Pompeii’s destruction and preservation is well-known around the world for providing a perfect encapsulation of life during the Roman time. It is a remarkable story that exists as both ancient legend and archaeological treasure, providing a one-of-a-kind snapshot of ancient history that we rarely ever see. The exhibition’s blend of groundbreaking scientific discoveries, with a media-rich way of retelling history, allows visitors to experience the awe of nature and human ingenuity.”

Pompeii: The Exhibition opens on Nov. 15 for a limited time. The exhibition requires a timed-entry ticket. Advance reservations are highly recommended. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit PompeiiTheExhibition.com.