Key Facts:
The European Union's flagship cultural diplomacy exhibition Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life has opened in Melbourne.
Free admission until 23 December to the exclusive exhibition at CO.AS.IT. Museo Italiano in Carlton, Melbourne.
The exhibition is part of the EU's foreign policy initiatives and increased engagement with partner countries.
Melbourne – The European Union's flagship cultural diplomacy exhibition Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life – Photographs by Luigi Spina has opened to the public at CO.AS.IT. Museo Italiano from 7 November to 23 December 2025, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into one of Europe's most iconic archaeological sites in the city considered the most European in Australia.
This free exhibition by the European Union Delegation to Australia is part of the EU's foreign policy initiatives and highlights the increasing importance of cultural diplomacy between the EU with our like-minded partners.
The exhibition explores how history has shaped European identity and culture, and shows the everyday lives of Pompeii's people, from intricate mosaics and personal graffiti to household objects and grand public spaces. The commonalities with a modern way of life are striking and Melbourne – with its vibrant multicultural community and deep European heritage – provides the perfect setting for this dialogue between Europe's past and a shared future.
Renowned Italian photographer Luigi Spina captured these works during the COVID-19 lockdown, when Pompeii was closed to visitors. His thirty-eight large-format images take audiences inside the homes, streets, and everyday spaces of the ancient city, capturing a moment of stillness that connects today's audiences with lives lived two millennia ago.
Europe and Australia share a deep respect and desire to preserve heritage and cultural identity. These shared values are accompanied by an ever-strengthening bilateral relationship across all areas.
EU Ambassador to Australia, Gabriele Visentin, said:
"As the EU-Australia partnership goes from strength to strength, we take time to celebrate culture, history, heritage and our shared humanity. Melbourne is so often considered the most European city in Australia, and its vibrancy reflects these same values - freedoms that should be celebrated and preserved through greater dialogue and cooperation."
CEO of CO.AS.IT., Marco Fedi said:
"We are honoured to host this major European Union exhibition. For Melbourne's Italian community, Pompeii is part of our cultural DNA – but this show also speaks to every visitor, inviting reflection on what connects us across time and continents."
Background on Cultural Heritage
Cultural heritage is a source of inspiration and innovation, economic growth, employment, environmental sustainability and social cohesion. The EU and its Member States actively cooperate to safeguard Europe's historic sites and monuments, artefacts and living traditions.
The European Union is committed to protecting and preserving cultural heritage across the world, including an EU investment of €78 million (AUD$130 million) in the Great Pompeii Project, restoring 70 buildings, recovering 40 hectares of ruins, and establishing best practices in heritage management.
The exchange of cultural knowledge, traditions and art between the EU and international partners is key to fostering mutual respect and understanding, which create a powerful force for peace and stability around the world.
Event Details
Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life – Photographs by Luigi Spina
CO.AS.IT. Museo Italiano, 199 Faraday St, Carlton VIC
7 November – 23 December 2025
Admission is free
Copyright attribution for printed images: Photographs by Luigi Spina with agreement with the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, Volume "Interno Pompeiano", published by 5 Continents Editions (Milan, Italy).
Copyright attribution for digital images: Photograph ©Luigi Spina
