The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition to open in London this November

Photo: The Last Days of Pompeii/Set Vexy

This November, The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition, will open its doors at Immerse LDN, Excel London Waterfront. Following huge success globally, the award-winning exhibition will make its UK debut and take visitors on an unprecedented journey through ancient Pompeii, using a striking combination of cutting-edge technology and rich, historical narratives.  

Spanning 3,000 square metres and over 10 different galleries and installations, The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition is the largest of its kind and invites visitors to immerse themselves in the heart of the Roman City as they witness one of history’s most dramatic events – the sudden eruption of Mount Vesuvius – and discover the culture and fascinating stories of those who lived there in 79 AD. 

Visitors begin their journey in a gallery that sets the stage for the story of the city. Surrounded by scenic recreations of Roman architecture with painted frescos, stone floors and imposing columns, they'll discover a curated selection of artefacts and replicas. Fragments of marble sculpture, Roman mirrors, bronze utensils, glass jars and household items illustrate the sophistication of the city and offer a glimpse into the intimate details of daily life.

Photo: The Last Days of Pompeii/Set Vexy

Amongst the impressive artefacts on display will be a marble sculpture of Diana’s (the goddess of hunting) torso, a bronze Roman sculpture depicting a life-size ‘Calceus Senatorius’ shoe and a bronze bridle strap (Terret) from Roman Britain. These objects are accompanied by narrative displays and reconstructions that evoke the atmosphere of Pompeii in the first century AD.

The introduction leads to a deeply moving gallery where casts of Pompeii’s citizens are displayed. The figures are shown in the very positions in which they were found, preserved by the calcified ash that engulfed the city in 79 AD. Haunting in their realism, the casts present an emotional reminder of the eruption’s human cost.

Photo: The Last Days of Pompeii/Set Vexy

From here, the narrative shifts to the first of the exhibition’s digital highlights. Guests will sit for a 360° Virtual Reality sequence that transports them into a Roman amphitheatre. They mount a chariot and enter the arena to the roar of thousands of spectators. From this unique perspective, they experience the intensity of gladiatorial combat at close quarters. The experience builds to a climactic naumachia - a staged naval battle within the amphitheatre - where ships collide and water surges around the combatants, offering a completely unique perspective to the exhibition.

After this encounter, visitors step into one of Europe’s largest immersive projection halls. Towering eight metres high, the installation surrounds audiences with the sights and sounds of Pompeii. The sequence unfolds in three acts: first, the bustling daily life of the city with its crowded streets, vibrant markets and monumental temples; then the looming threat of Vesuvius as the landscape darkens; and finally, the eruption itself.

These immersive projections place visitors at the very heart of Pompeii, allowing them to experience the beauty of the city and the suddenness of its destruction.

Photo: The Last Days of Pompeii/Set Vexy

The journey continues into a free-roaming Metaverse experience recreating the legendary ‘Villa of the Mysteries’. Here, visitors move through its restored spaces – the wine cellar, cloister and thermal bath – as they would have appeared before the eruption. Groundbreaking technology enables a collective exploration where groups can walk together, share discoveries and interact within the digital reconstruction.

A world-premiere addition for London is The Archaeological Explorer Room, introducing an interactive and educational dimension to the experience. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to take on the role of archaeologists uncovering concealed artefacts from digital sandpits. Large interactive maps reveal the structure of the city, and themed installations explain how Roman engineering, architecture and innovations shaped not only Pompeii but many aspects of modern life.

Photo: The Last Days of Pompeii/Set Vexy

The exhibition concludes with two interactive experiences for visitors to enjoy. An AI Photobooth uses advanced facial recognition technology to transform visitors into patricians of ancient Pompeii, complete with authentic hairstyles, clothing and accessories. Finally, at the Graffiti Station, guests are invited to leave their own inscriptions, drawings or phrases, echoing the graffiti once scrawled across the walls of the city years ago.

Lasting over 90 minutes, The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition delves into Pompeii’s rich history and features a wealth of educational and informative displays, casts, original artefacts and replicas, and has been designed with children, families, schools and history enthusiasts in mind.

Photo: The Last Days of Pompeii/Set Vexy

The entire experience is underscored by a specially commissioned soundtrack by composer René Merkelbach, recorded with the Audiocult Orchestra and Choir. Blending ancient instruments with sweeping cinematic arrangements, the music mirrors the changing atmosphere of the exhibition, from the splendour of Pompeii at its height to the darkness of the eruption.

The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition has been created and produced by Madrid Artes Digitales, under the lead of creative producer Jelle de Jong, alongside curator and historian Míriam Huéscar, historical advisor and scriptwriter, Nacho Ares and executive producer, Jordi Sellas.

Photos: The Last Days of Pompeii/Set Vexy

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The Last Days of Pompeii: The Immersive Exhibition will run at Immerse LDN near Custom House from 14th November 2025 for a 16-week run. Tickets are priced from £24.00 and can be booked via Fever.