Focus on the exhibition Pompeii at the Grand Palace: Our opinion

Pompeii, an ancient city whose history seems straight out of a book of legends, as it seems surreal. Told time and time again in our school books, the story of this city that disappeared in a single tidal wave of ash and gas, intrigues a little more generation after generation. Proof of this is that the Pompeii exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris brings together diametrically opposed age groups. And it would be dishonest to explain the presence of the less young by the simple desire to please the children, if we take the time to notice the interest they show in the works exhibited, or even the work of immersion carried out.

The history of Pompeii.

No need to go on forever explaining in detail what you will take the time to discover during your guided walk. Nevertheless, let us recall the reason why Pompeii is to date one of the most famous historical episodes. We are in 79 CE. Pompeii, a city that over the centuries has seen many civilizations, is at that time Roman. Although marked by the Greek influence that characterizes some of its buildings, the population consists of formerly wealthy Romans. If the city has experienced various natural disasters in previous decades (the days preceding the event were themselves marked by multiple earthquakes heralding), causing the flight of the richest, what happened on October 24, 79 was unprecedented for Pompeii and its inhabitants. The eruption of Vesuvius, located only a few kilometers away, surprised the Pompeians by its suddenness. Of extraordinary violence and speed, no one could flee or even survive this disaster that lasted nearly 20 hours. Buried under 7 meters of rubble, the city, as if frozen in time, retained its appearance of yesteryear like no other to this day, and constitutes for this purpose a unique archaeological site.

An immersive exhibition.

Visiting Pompeii is certainly not the most complex trip to organize, due to our proximity to the Amalfi Coast. The arguments for going there are plethora, between world-famous gastronomy, and historical discoveries. However, the Pompeii box may not have been ticked in our travel planning yet. And with the year we're living in, it may not be for a while. It is therefore in this very special period in our history, that the Grand Palais offers Parisians and summer tourists the opportunity to discover one of the most incredible stories of the past. After a walk of a few minutes in the corridors of the Grand Palais, illustrated in particular by some explanations on the work that constitutes archaeology in the broad sense, the exhibition Pompeii grabs us as soon as we enter the "Salon d'Honneur". Embellished with gigantic wall projections, we are then transported 2000 years back, immersed in a 360° visual and sound scenography. For this, we congratulate in particular the scenographer Sylvain Roca, as well as the technical teams, who through their work have allowed this possible and successful exhibition.

Once the element of surprise has faded, we then focus on the texts lining the walls, which tell us about the daily life of the time and more precisely, that of the Pompeians. If discovering the details fascinates us today in books or on the internet, being able to do it in this immersive environment brings a special flavor. We can perhaps reproach their small number, but the few period objects on display nevertheless help to make the whole thing a little more real.

Captivating discoveries.

The visit, embellished with many videos projected in private rooms, makes us (re) discover the history of this city several thousand years old, the way of life of the population at the time of the disaster, and the many archaeological research that have been conducted there since the 18th century until now. Massimo Osanna, director of the site and renowned archaeologist, brings clarity and sharper interest, thanks to his passionate testimony. Enthusiasm is mixed with curiosity to learn more about the most recent discoveries: Orion's house, house in the Garden, etc.

Undoubtedly, the centerpiece of the exhibition (literally and figuratively), the explosion of Vesuvius, will amaze young and old alike. Installed on one of the steps of this mini auditorium, you can relive as if you were there this terrible event. At that moment, the whole room stops, in a roar as impressive as the darkening that follows. Lasting about an hour, the exhibition "Pompeii" succeeds in fulfilling the task entrusted to it, immersing us in the city of Pompeii, its culture, its streets, and its end. Although tragic, the latter has not finished captivating us. If obviously no exhibition or history book can transport us as the site does, the exhibition "Pompeii" at the Grand Palace is unequivocally positioned as a successful appetizer of a trip that we must program: visit the city of Pompeii.

Practical information:

Pompeii Exhibition

Salon d'honneur of the Grand Palais, Paris

Until September 27, 2020