Dialogue with Pompeii

The exhibition Dialogue with Pompeii, on display at theWest Lake Museum in Hangzhou, features an extraordinary selection of over 100 artworks from the collections of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. The exhibition, opened in celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the West Lake Museum, celebrates the unique story of Pompeii, a world-renowned archaeological site buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and today an invaluable record of daily life in the ancient world.

Through everyday objects, tools, furnishings, and works of art, the exhibition brings back tangible traces of lives that were interrupted, yet still perceptible. Each artifact tells the story of those who created, used, and lost them, creating a direct connection with the past. The materials, shapes, and decorations invite reflection on the continuity of human experience, making Pompeii a bridge between distant times and cultures.

Curated by Dr. Luana Toniolo, Director of the National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia, and Prof. Massimo Osanna, Deputy Director General of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, the exhibition has been made possible thanks to the support of the Consulate General of Italy in Shanghai and the Italian Cultural Institute in Shanghai.