Ancient Roman life uncovered as Pompeii exhibition opens at WA Museum

West Australians have the opportunity to view one of Australia's most popular museum exhibitions, 'A Day in Pompeii', which opens on Friday for more than three months at the Western Australian Museum.

Tourism Minister Liz Constable said it offered a chance for all West Australians to experience what life was like during a famous period in ancient Roman history.

"Securing the Pompeii exhibition was a real coup for Western Australia as this extraordinary exhibition has only been shown in Australia once before," Dr Constable said.

"'A Day in Pompeii' is a fascinating travelling exhibition and multi-media show that tells a story of daily life in the ancient city prior to its destruction in 79AD after the volcanic Mount Vesuvius catastrophically erupted.

"As Education Minister and Tourism Minister, I'm proud that we have been able to combine an impressive international exhibition with such strong educational offerings - 'A Day in Pompeii' provides comprehensive education resources for teachers and students."

Culture and the Arts Minister John Day said 'A Day in Pompeii' attracted more than 330,000 people in Melbourne - more than 2,700 per day - making it Australia's most successful museum exhibition.

"I encourage all West Australians and visitors to our State to see first hand the 250 artefacts that will be on display, including animal and body casts, statues, painted frescoes and mosaics alongside everyday items such as pots and pans as well as luxury goods of that era," Mr Day said.

"Visitors will be able to experience the volcano's extraordinary power through the special 3D theatre screenings that show how the town of Pompeii was wiped out over a 48-hour period.

"It is expected that the exhibition will attract tens of thousands of visitors and the museum is being supported by 160 volunteers who will assist with more than 2,000 shifts."

'A Day in Pompeii' is a major blockbuster exhibition for the WA Museum and a highlight of the City of Perth's Winter Arts Festival.

The exhibition will be on display until September 5, 2010. For further information, visit http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/pompeii   

Media contacts:

Office of the Minister for Tourism:  9222 9699

Office of the Minister for Culture and the Arts  9213 6600