Pompeii: permanent exhibition in the Palestra Grande displays 22 casts of eruption victims

Pompeii: new permanent exhibition dedicated to the victims of the eruption

A permanent exhibition has been installed in the Palestra Grande within the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, showcasing 22 casts of people who died during the AD 79 eruption of Vesuvius. The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli and presented by the Park Director, Gabriel Zuchtriegel, as a memorial that combines archaeological evidence with personal stories.

The casts reproduce the voids left by bodies in the compacted ash and allow visitors to observe postures and gestures from the victims' final moments. Many residents, attempting to flee after falling lapilli, were overcome by the subsequent pyroclastic flow — a hot, fast-moving cloud of ash and gas that struck those who could not reach safety.

Why visit

The exhibition offers scientific and educational value, turning excavation data into an accessible narrative that helps visitors understand the eruption's effects on everyday life in the ancient city.

• Highlights: 22 human casts and associated organic finds recovered during excavations.
• Location: Palestra Grande, Archaeological Park of Pompeii, integrated into the standard visitor route.
• Exhibition type: permanent, with memorial and educational purposes.
• Scientific interest: the casts reveal postures and gestures, conveying the human dimension of the disaster.

Visitor tips

Visiting this type of display calls for respect and sensitivity: please behave considerately and follow staff instructions. For up-to-date information on opening hours, tickets and accessibility, check the Archaeological Park of Pompeii’s official channels before planning your visit.