Attraction Update
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The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition T
he Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition is now open at Immerse LDN, Excel London Waterfront. Running until 15th
March 2026, the National Geographic award- winning exhibition makes its UK debut, taking visitors on an unprecedented journey through ancient Pompeii, using a striking combination of 360-degree projections, virtual reality, artefacts from the time and metaverse experience. Spanning 3,000 square metres with 8 metre
high projection walls and over 10 different galleries and installations, The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition is the largest of its kind and invites visitors to immerse themselves in the heart of the Roman City as they witness one of history’s most dramatic events – the sudden eruption of Mount Vesuvius – and discover the culture and fascinating stories of those who lived there in 79 AD. Visitors begin their journey in a gallery that
sets the stage for the story of the city. Surrounded by scenic recreations of Roman architecture with painted frescos, stone floors, and imposing columns, they discover a curated selection of artefacts and replicas. Fragments of marble sculpture, Roman mirrors, bronze utensils, glass jars, and household items illustrate the sophistication of the city and offer a glimpse into the intimate details of daily life. Amongst the impressive artefacts on display is a marble sculpture of Diana’s (the goddess of hunting) torso, a bronze Roman sculpture depicting a life-size ‘Calceus Senatorius’ shoe, and a bronze
bridle strap (Terret) from Roman Britain. These objects are accompanied by narrative displays and reconstructions that evoke the atmosphere of Pompeii in the first century AD. The introduction leads to a deeply moving
gallery where replica casts of Pompeii’s citizens are displayed. The figures are shown in the very positions in which they were found, preserved by the calcified ash that engulfed the city in 79 AD. Haunting in their realism, the casts present an emotional reminder of the eruption’s human cost. Carefully designed scenography, including a recreated peristyle garden, amplifies the poignancy of this section. From here, the narrative shifts to the first of
the exhibition’s digital highlights. Guests are seated for a 360° Virtual Reality sequence that transports them into a Roman amphitheatre. They mount a chariot and enter the arena to the roar of thousands of spectators. From this unique perspective, they experience the intensity of gladiatorial combat at close quarters. The experience builds to a climactic naumachia, a staged naval battle within the amphitheatre, where ships collide and water surges around the combatants. Visitors then step into one of Europe’s largest
immersive projection halls, immersing audiences in the sights and sounds of Pompeii. The sequence unfolds in three acts: first, the bustling daily life of the city with its crowded streets, vibrant markets, and monumental temples; then the looming threat of Vesuvius as the landscape darkens; and finally,
the eruption itself. The immersive projections place visitors at the very heart of Pompeii, allowing them to experience the beauty of the city and the suddenness of its destruction. Next visitors enter a world-premiere addition
for London, the Archaeological Explorer Room, which introduces an interactive and educational dimension to the experience. Families, schools, and visitors of all ages can become archaeologists for the day uncovering concealed treasures from digital sandpits. Large interactive maps reveal the structure of the city, and themed installations explain how Roman engineering, architecture, and innovations shaped not only Pompeii but also many aspects of modern life. This gallery provides an engaging platform for younger audiences to learn through play and discovery. Next, visitors enter the graffiti corridor, where
they are invited to leave their own inscriptions, drawings, or phrases, echoing the graffiti once scrawled across the walls of the city. The journey then continues into a free-roaming
Metaverse experience recreating the legendary Villa of the Mysteries. Here, visitors move through its restored spaces - the wine cellar, cloister, and thermal bath - as they would have appeared before the eruption. Groundbreaking technology enables a collective exploration where groups can walk together, share discoveries, and interact within the digital reconstruction. Lasting approximately 90 minutes+, The Last
Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition delves into Pompeii’s rich history and features a wealth of educational and informative displays, casts, original artefacts and replicas, and has been designed with children, families, schools, and history enthusiasts in mind, as well as those interested in ground-breaking technology. The entire experience is underscored by a specially commissioned soundtrack by composer René Merkelbach, recorded with the Audiocult Orchestra and Choir. Blending ancient instruments with sweeping cinematic arrangements, the music mirrors the changing atmosphere of the exhibition, from the splendour of Pompeii at its height to the darkness of the eruption. The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive
Exhibition has been created and produced by pioneers in the immersive entertainment space, Madrid Artes Digitales (MAD), under the lead of creative producer Jelle de Jong, together with curator and historian Míriam Huéscar, historical advisor and scriptwriter Nacho Ares, and executive producer Jordi Sellas.
30 WINTER 2026
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