The Museo Archeologico Virtuale [MAV] at Herculaneum has carried out a virtual reconstruction of the House of the Gladiators at Pompeii, making it possible for visitors to see the building again via digital technology. The “real” House crumbled into the ground in September, giving rise to much debate about the preservation of Italy’s architectural heritage and to calls for the Minister of Culture to resign.
The reconstruction, a project in 3D computer graphics by Raffaele Gentiluomo, allows visitors to view the building as it would have been before that fateful day in AD 79 and they are also offered a virtual tour of the cupboards where gladiators would have kept their arms.
Opened in 2008 the MAV, which occupies an area of 1,500 square metres, also offers visitors an opportunity to see reconstructions of daily life in Pompeii and other towns in Campania during the Roman era. There are over 70 multimedia installations which reproduce scenes and sounds from houses, theatres, schools and public baths.
The Museum is situated about 70 metres from the ancient site of Herculaneum and is open every day except on Tuesdays from 09.00 – 17.00. Entrance fee: €7.50.
Visit the MAV Website for more info.
