Explore the Immersive Pompeii Exhibition at Grand Palais, Paris
An immersive digital exhibition on Pompeii has now opened at the Grand Palais in Paris. Originally scheduled to open in March, this exhibition was deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It places visitors at the historic site just hours before the eruption of Vesuvius, employing 3D imagery to recreate both the ancient city and the modern archaeological site.
Cutting-Edge Technology Enhances Visitor Experience
The Réunion des Musées Nationaux – Grand Palais collaborated with the Pompeii Archaeological Park and GEDEON Programs to provide a groundbreaking experience. Advanced technologies utilized in the exhibition include:
- Laser mapping
- Drone photography
- Thermography
- Infrared imagery
- Photogrammetry
These innovations facilitate incredibly accurate 3D reconstructions. Moreover, the digital experience is enhanced with city sounds and original music designed to awaken the senses, immersing visitors in the heart of Pompeii. Consequently, attendees feel as though they are part of the city’s bustling life, witnessing its tragic fate and glorious rediscovery.
Journey Through Time: From Daily Life to Disaster
The exhibition starts by depicting the lively streets of Pompeii before the eruption, reconstructed in 3D mainly from aerial shots captured by drones. The narrative then intensifies, guiding visitors through the chronology of the disaster. At the peak of the eruption, the exhibition is engulfed by a simulated pyroclastic flow.
The subsequent section of the exhibition is dedicated to the city’s rediscovery, narrating the story of excavations that began in the 18th century and spotlighting recent archaeological findings. The final area showcases the stunning frescoes that adorned Pompeii’s finest villas.
Unveiling Recent Discoveries
New excavations have revealed remarkable artifacts on display for the first time, including:
- Amulets
- Earthenware utensils
- Glass paste
- Ivory and bone objects
- Amber and bronze artifacts
- A marble rabbit
- A mosaic of Ariadne and Dionysus
A selection of exquisite objects from earlier excavations is also featured, along with replicas of casts depicting several victims. The “Pompeii” exhibition runs at the Grand Palais until 27 September, providing a unique chance to explore this historical site.
For further details on visiting this exhibition, you can find more information here.
