Projection of lava flowing over the steps to the entrance to the WA Museum

The Day in Pompeii experience starts early for evening visitors to the WA Museum – they will now be crossing a sea of ‘bubbling lava’ thanks to cinematic technology and the same techniques used in animated video games like Shrek.

A unique animated display on the Museum steps will set the Perth Cultural Centre ablaze with ‘lava’, providing a new dimension to the extraordinary exhibition. Commencing this Friday (27 August 2010), the projections will appear daily from 4.00pm to 7.30pm and from 4.00pm to 9.30pm on Fridays.

WA Museum CEO Alec Coles said the animated projections had been specially designed for the Museum by digital animation firm, Vue Group and funded by new partners, EPRA.

EPRA is behind the revitalisation of the Perth Cultural Centre which is designed to make the whole area even more welcoming and bring even more people to the Museum and other neighbouring cultural institutions.

“The projections use cinematic technology to light up the Museum steps with moving, animated lava,” Mr Coles said.

“The animation itself is very intricate, requiring a team of four, working over the course of a month, to design and create.

“A Day in Pompeii is already such a visual feast, featuring fascinating objects, 3D theatre and interactive displays. This colourful entry experience is sure to add to the drama and excitement!”

EPRA CEO Tony Morgan said international cultural events like A Day in Pompeii were helping to establish the Perth Cultural Centre as the State’s premier arts precinct.

“The Perth Cultural Centre is undergoing a regeneration, designed to encourage people to rediscover Perth’s rich cultural offerings – including world-class exhibitions like A Day in Pompeii,” said Mr Morgan.

“The exhibition has already drawn thousands of people to the precinct and I’m thrilled that this new and exciting element will enrich the experience for more Museum-goers.”

A Day in Pompeii is open daily between 9.30am and 5.00pm and until 9.00pm on Fridays. The exhibition is showing at the WA Museum – Perth until September 12, 2010.

Tickets are available through BOCS Ticketing - adults $20, concession $14, children $12 and family $54

A Day in Pompeii is presented by the Western Australian Museum and Eventscorp and exhibited by the Soprintendenza Speciale per I Beni Archeologici di Napoli e Pompei (SANP) and Museum Victoria.

For more information, visit www.museum.wa.gov.au/pompeii or to see footage of lava flowing, view the Museum's video page.

Nicola Howarth or Marie Mills
Mills Wilson Communication Consultants
Tel: 9228 1999
Mob: 0433 445 996 or 0418 918 202
nicolah@millswilson.com.au or mariem@millswilson.com.au

Caroline Lacy
Manager, Media and Communications
Western Australian Museum
Tel: 9212 3860 Mob: 0417 970 239
Caroline.Lacy@museum.wa.gov.au