When I have time between grown up responsibilities, I like to make my own fun. This often involves random searches for “things to do near me” or “things happening this weekend”. Today google suggested that we could check out the Pompeii exhibit at the St. Louis Science Center.

We hadn’t been there in several years and we had the time. So, we decided to give it a try. We bought our tickets online and headed to the city. Parking was no fun and expensive. I should remember to park near the Planterium building in Forest Park (where parking is free) if I come again.

Apparently a lot of people bring their children to the museum on a random weekday in July. It was packed with children of all ages. (Did I mention that all museums in Forest Park and the Zoo are free of charge?) It is a very family friendly city. So, I will not complain about paid parking or the small fee for the special exhibit. St. Louis is a tourist’s dream with hidden gems throughout the city. We have been enjoying the attractions for over fifty years and are almost glad it is a well kept secret.

After a brief walk in the excellent outdoor garden area (our first encounter), it was time to enter the Pompeii exhibit. It did not disappoint. Having toured many museums in Italy, I had low expectations. I was wrong.

There were frescoes and statues. Everyday objects that were hard to reconcile with their actual age. How can glass that delicate be 1,000s of years old? I couldn’t wrap my head around the objects that looked so normal. Cooking tools reminded me that the tragedy of Pompeii was a story of everyday people caught off guard by nature.

Because my husband and I once were history teachers, we are drawn to artifacts. If we can see something in real life that we’ve only read about, it is a small victory. If I see something that we still use today, I feel on instant connection. The cast iron skillets made reminded of home. It was a link to the past I could connect with on a personal level. History is like that … distant, yet ever within reach.

The villas of the wealthy must have been fantastically excessive. The tiled furniture, paintings, and decor were skillfully done. We like to pretend that we are so much more civilized, but artifacts show a slice of comfortable sophistication. We linger as we wait to enter a room that requires a timed entry.

Inside was a film of the eruption of the volcano. We learned of Pompeii and Herculaneum and the terrible destruction. I walked quickly past the molds that were cast of human remains in the ashes. I am not macabre, and I am repulsed by tourism of human suffering. While these were not actual skeletons, the dead should be left some dignity. I declined to linger. People laughing and taking pictures of children huddled in death poses did not appeal.

As we prepared to leave, I had to admit that I was shocked by the quality of the exhibit. It was small, but mighty. Kudos to the curators of the traveling exhibit. It had great artifacts, authentic interpretations, and excellent presentation. They did a great job of down playing the sensational and uplifting the daily life of those unfortunate townspeople.

If you are ever wondering what to do on a day that’s too hot (or too cold), google “things to do near me”. You might discover a little road trip adventure that broadens your horizons. Just don’t forget to take enough money for parking….prices have gone up. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.