In Pompeii, an immersive experience is born that takes visitors back to 79 AD. Here's how it works

A new immersive experience called Discovery Pompeii Alive is set to open in June 2026 at the MaxiMall Pompeii, just steps from the archaeological site of Pompeii. Developed by 3DBA and managed by Irgenre Group in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, the project uses multisensory technology, spatial sound design, and interactive devices to transport visitors back to the hours before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The experience aims to reconstruct daily life in ancient Pompeii—its villas, public spaces, and homes—culminating in the eruption itself, blending historical reconstruction with emotional engagement.

This project matters because it represents a growing trend in cultural edutainment, where immersive storytelling complements traditional archaeological visits. By focusing on emotional identification and everyday human experience, Discovery Pompeii Alive seeks to make history feel lived rather than merely observed. It also positions Pompeii as a laboratory for new forms of cultural heritage storytelling, with a modular format that could be exported to other historical sites worldwide. The collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery signals a convergence of entertainment and heritage that could reshape how the public engages with ancient history.