The exhibition “The Painters of Pompeii: Roman Frescoes from the National Archaeological Museum, Naples" will travel exclusively to Oklahoma City Museum of Art from Italy and be on view from June 26 to Oct. 17, 2021.  

“The Painters of Pompeii” highlights a seldom seen medium – the Roman wall painting – which was pervasive in ancient Rome, through over 80 artifacts and artworks. As one of only two large bodies of ancient painting in existence today, this exhibition represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The exhibition is organized by the National Archaeological Museum, Naples and MondoMostre.

“We are honored to be the exclusive venue for this extraordinary exhibition,” said OKCMOA president and CEO, Michael J. Anderson, Ph.D. “These works are extremely delicate and rarely leave Italy. With travel still difficult to plan, we are incredibly grateful to be able to bring these paintings to Oklahoma City. We will continue to limit capacity throughout the summer in order to follow health and safety guidelines and allow for social distancing. Due to the rarity of the exhibition as well as the limited availability, I encourage everyone to book tickets early to secure their preferred day and time.”

Additionally, OKCMOA has released new virtual programming in advance of the exhibition. Opportunities to “house hunt” in ancient Italian coastal towns, experience the food and wine of Pompeii and more – all from the comfort of home – are now available. Armchair travelers can register for this special programming at okcmoa.com.

“We had an incredible response to our first slate of virtual classes inspired by ‘The Painters of Pompeii,’” said Rosie May, OKCMOA director of curatorial affairs and audience engagement. “Many of the classes sold out, and the feedback we heard from participants was wonderful. We are thrilled to offer new virtual classes beginning later this month and new ways to immerse visitors in the culture of southern Italy.”

Virtual Classes:

·    The Rediscovery of Pompeii, Tuesday, April 6, 7 p.m. CDT

·    Food & Wine in Pompeii: Then and Now, Tuesday, April 13, 7 p.m. CDT

·    Roman House Hunters International, Tuesday, April 20, 7 p.m. CDT

·    Pompeii and Roman Painting, Wednesday, April 28, 7 p.m. CDT

·    Livia Drusilla and Powerful Elite Women in Imperial Rome, Sunday, May 16, 1 p.m. CDT

Classes are $30 for Museum members and $40 for non-members. Registration is limited and expected to fill quickly. The museum encourages those interested to register soon at okcmoa.com/pompeii. All class registrations include one complimentary ticket to “The Painters of Pompeii.”

Ticket sales for the exhibition will begin Wednesday, April 21 at 11 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online at okcmoa.com/pompeii, in person at OKCMOA or by calling the Museum at (405) 236-3100.