We’ve all heard about the devastating eruption that destroyed Pompeii nearly 2,000 years ago, and now a new immersive exhibition coming to Toronto is giving visitors a chance to step into the sandals of an ancient Roman citizen and explore what everyday life was like before Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79!
Back to Pompeii: The Immersive Experience is set to open at YZD in North York this October, recreating the streets, homes and marketplaces of Pompeii.
“Before the eruption, Pompeii was simply a city full of people going about their day. From its crowded streets to the eruption that ended them, this is the experience that brings a lost city back to life,” the exhibition site says.
You’ll get a chance to wander through a Roman bakery, discover ancient graffiti, explore public baths, and learn what residents ate, bought and did for entertainment in the ancient city. There will also be hands-on activities, like trying out Roman numerals and interacting with merchants in a recreated marketplace.
A free-roaming virtual reality experience will take you deeper into the city, including a visit to a gladiator arena, where you can step into the world of ancient Roman combat and imagine the roar of the crowds!
And things take a turn when Mount Vesuvius erupts: a 360-degree immersive show uses projection mapping to recreate the catastrophic event, transforming the surroundings as the sky darkens and the city faces its final hours.
The exhibition takes about 60 to 75 minutes to complete and is open to visitors of all ages, although the VR experience is restricted to those aged six and older.
Back to Pompeii takes place at YZD, at 30 Hanover Rd. in North York. Tickets start at $20.90, with general admission, VIP and discounted options available.
Tickets and additional info are available on the exhibition website. Follow @backtopompeii_exhibit for updates.