Key Facts:
- The EU’s flagship cultural diplomacy exhibition arrived in Adelaide. Inside Pompeii runs at the David Roche Gallery, North Adelaide, from 7 November 2026 to 30 January 2027.
- It celebrates shared heritage and a common way of life. Everyday scenes from ancient Pompeii reflect the values Europe and Australia share in preserving culture and identity.
- It marks a flourishing EU-Australia partnership. The exhibition comes as new agreements open opportunities in trade, agriculture and defence across South Australia.
The European Union’s flagship cultural diplomacy exhibition Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life – Photographs by Luigi Spina will be open at the David Roche Gallery, North Adelaide, from 7 November 2026 to 30 January 2027, bringing one of Europe’s most famous archaeological sites to one of Australia’s most cultural cities.
This touring exhibition by the European Union Delegation to Australia is part of the EU’s foreign policy initiatives and highlights the impact of cultural diplomacy between the EU and partner countries, as relations between the EU and Australia continue to flourish.
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 South Australia – with its growing ties to Europe across trade, agriculture and defence, and its own 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. 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.
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 of life.
EU Ambassador to Australia, Lawrence Meredith, said: “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.”
David Roche Gallery Director Robert Reason said: “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.”
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
David Roche Gallery
241 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide, South Australia
7 November 2026 – 30 January 2027
