Museo Gracco, Pompei

The Museo Gracco is dedicated to the many extraordinary ancient artworks discovered in the excavation of Pompei. It is located next to the Villa of the Mysteries, north west of the city itself. Founded by modern Italian artist Francis Gracco, it is a gallery and school devoted to the study and recreation of Pompeian art. Gracco lives next to the museum, and holds regular workshops and classes here. Together with a group of young artists, he has worked to reproduce lost and damaged frescoes. The first, a recreated fresco of Thesus and the Minotaur, was unveiled on International Museum Day in 2009.

The frescoes have been restored from remnants of damaged artworks, or impressions taken by archaeologists. Whilst the ash layer that smothered Pompei protected many artworks, many were damaged during excavation, on in bombing raids during World War II. In addition to restoring damaged frescoes, Gracco and his students have created new artworks using the techniques that were popular in the Roman era. These are housed in permanent exhibitions within the museum. Admission is free, and group tours can be arranged by contacting.