Exploring Pompeii's Final Days: A Review of the Exhibition at MAD in Madrid
The Madrid Artes Digitales (MAD) in Madrid hosts an extraordinary exhibition that invites visitors on a journey back in time to witness the tragic demise of Pompeii. Titled "Los últimos días de Pompeya" (The Last Days of Pompeii), this exhibition seamlessly blends traditional displays with immersive experiences, offering a captivating exploration of history.
Spanning an impressive 2000 square meters, the exhibition boasts a combination of informative texts, captivating images, and authentic artifacts. However, what truly sets this showcase apart is its innovative immersive aspect, which transports visitors into the heart of the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
The highlight of the exhibition is undoubtedly the expansive immersive room, where visitors find themselves immersed in the streets of a bustling Roman village. As participants traverse the simulated environment, the eruption of Vesuvius unfolds before their eyes, enveloping the city in a shroud of dust and lava. The meticulously crafted projections on the walls and floor create a truly immersive experience, allowing visitors to witness the chaos and devastation firsthand.
After the immersive room visitors are treated to two additional virtual reality experiences. The first VR adventure takes participants on a virtual tour of a Roman house, providing insights into the layout and functionality of different rooms. In this walking VR experience the other participants are depicted as Roman busts within the virtual space. Funny, but also very useful to prevent any collisions.
The second VR experience transports visitors to the heart of a Roman arena, where they become spectators to a gladiator fight. With the ability to rotate and observe the spectacle from various perspectives, participants are granted a front-row seat to ancient entertainment unlike any other.
What truly sets "Los últimos días de Pompeya" apart is its ability to make history come alive in a dynamic and engaging manner. The combination of traditional exhibits with immersive technology provides visitors with a multifaceted exploration of Pompeii's final days, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of ancient history.
Practical recap:
Location: MAD, Madrid
Admission: 16.90 euros + administrative fee
Opening Times: Monday - Sunday, 10 AM - 8 PM - Los Ultimos Dias de Pompeya is available until June 2024.