Casa di Cerere and Cavallo di Maiuri reopen at Pompeii after restoration

A cycle of restorations at the Pompeii Archaeological Park has concluded, allowing visitors to once again access two masterpieces: the Casa di Cerere (House of Ceres) and the Cavallo di Maiuri (Maiuri's Horse). The Casa di Cerere, named after a terracotta bust of the goddess Ceres from the late 4th century BC, was first excavated between 1951 and 1953. Its recent restoration involved architectural interventions and conservation of mosaic floors, first-style frescoes, roofing, and the garden where cereals like barley, ancient wheat, and spelt were cultivated—plants linked to the cult of Ceres. The visitor route has been expanded with new lighting for the restored decorations, a walkway connecting the atrium and garden, and display cases for artifacts found in the house. Along the same street, the skeleton of the Cavallo di Maiuri—a horse discovered in 1938 by Amedeo Maiuri—is now visible after extensive restoration and reinstallation in a scientifically more accurate position, with materials suited to Pompeii's microclimate. Park director Gabriel Zuchtriegel stated that the Casa di Cerere now features a 100% photovoltaic-powered lighting system with zero environmental impact, and the horse skeleton's restoration involved a multidisciplinary team including restorers, archaeologists, and an archaeozoologist. The new installations follow a 'diffuse museum' model, emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity.