Epic Beneath the Ashes

The exhibition Pompeii: Epic Beneath the Ashes, on display at the Yunnan Provincial Museum in Kunming, features an extraordinary selection of over 100 artworks from the collections of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. The exhibition 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, Director General of the Italian Museum, the exhibition has been made possible thanks to the support of the Consulate General of Italy in Chongqing and the Italian Cultural Institute in Beijing.