Italy’s Pompeii and Sibari host pop‑art exhibition and Percy Jackson workshop linking antiquity with modern culture

From July 27 the Archaeological Park of Pompeii opened the large‑scale exhibition “Philip Colbert in Pompeii: Pop Mythology”. British pop‑artist Philip Colbert displayed more than thirty monumental sculptures of his signature alter ego, The Lobster, across the ruins and surrounding area. The show was curated by Cesare Biasini and organised by the art group Il Cigno Arte in collaboration with the park.

On July 30 the National Archaeological Museum of the Sibaritide (Sibari) hosted a special session titled “Miti ed Eroi dell’Olimpo: la saga di Percy Jackson”. The event invited children to explore ancient Greek artifacts, such as the Locri votive tablets and a bothros sacrificial pit, while connecting the myths to the contemporary fantasy series by Rick Riordan. Participants engaged in guided tours, reading activities and creative workshops that blended archaeology with popular literature.

Both events aimed to bridge Italy’s rich archaeological heritage with contemporary pop culture, offering immersive experiences for a broad public audience.