One of Europe’s most famous archaeological sites will arrive in North Adelaide when the David Roche Gallery hosts Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life – Photographs by Luigi Spina, the European Union’s flagship cultural diplomacy exhibition, from 7 November 2026 to 30 January 2027.
Renowned Italian photographer Luigi Spina captured the images during the COVID-19 lockdown, when Pompeii was closed to visitors. The 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.
It 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 South Australia – with its own deep European heritage and growing ties to Europe across trade, agriculture and defence – provides the perfect setting for this dialogue between Europe’s past and a shared future.
David Roche Gallery Director Robert Reason says the exhibition’s focus on Pompeii’s richly decorated interiors sits naturally alongside the Gallery’s own collection.
“The unique archaeological site and cultural heritage of Pompeii speak directly to the kind of European decorative arts and history David Roche Gallery was built to preserve, and we’re delighted to bring this exhibition to Adelaide audiences,” he says.
EU Ambassador to Australia, Lawrence Meredith, says: “As President von der Leyen said, our Union began as a peace project, built step by step, brick by brick, so our past could give way to a common future. Inside Pompeii reflects that same trajectory: an ancient life that still shapes who we are today. I’m delighted that we could bring this exhibition to South Australia, with new EU-Australia agreements offering opportunities across the state.”
The touring exhibition, developed by the European Union Delegation to Australia, is part of a wider national tour that continues into 2027 with David Roche Gallery being the only South Australian venue.
What: Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life – Photographs by Luigi Spina
Where: David Roche Gallery, 241 Melbourne St, North Adelaide
When: 7 November – 30 January 2027 (open Tuesdays to Saturdays, closed public holidays)
Cost: Adults $15. Concession $12. DRG Member $11. Children 18 & Under Free
Tickets: Book your ticket online or at the door: https://www.rochegallery.com.au/exhibitions/
David Roche Gallery Fermoy House tours: 10am, 12noon, 2pm (must be prebooked online)
Cost: Adult: $20 | Concession $17 (includes entry to Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life)
For more information and events, visit rochegallery.com.au
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Media contact: Natalie Farinola | 0401 308 328 | natalie@jpmedia.com.au
