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Pompei Reopens Villa dei Misteri and Lupanare After Restoration

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-27

The Archaeological Park of Pompeii, under the direction of Gabriel Zuchtriegel since February 2021, continues to expand its offerings. On July 19, 2021, two of its most popular sites—the Villa dei Misteri and the Lupanare—reopen to the public after closure for restoration and maintenance. The Villa dei Misteri, named for its 2nd-century BCE frescoes depicting Dionysian mystery rites, now features new interpretive panels providing an updated educational narrative. Visitors can access the villa via Via Consolare or Via dei Sepolcri, which crosses the Necropolis of Porta Ercolano. The Lupanare, a two-story building originally used for prostitution, displays erotic scenes in its ground-floor corridors that served as a catalog of services. Additional summer openings include the House of the Ephebe and the House of Sirico starting July 26, and the Thermopolium in Regio V in August. The granaries/storage areas, normally closed, will offer special openings every Wednesday from 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00, as well as during evening events listed on pompeiisites.org.

Key facts

  • Pompeii Archaeological Park directed by Gabriel Zuchtriegel since February 2021
  • Villa dei Misteri and Lupanare reopen July 19, 2021
  • Villa dei Misteri features 2nd-century BCE frescoes of Dionysian mystery rites
  • New interpretive panels installed at Villa dei Misteri
  • Lupanare is a two-story building used for prostitution with erotic scene decorations
  • House of the Ephebe and House of Sirico open July 26, 2021
  • Thermopolium in Regio V opens in August 2021
  • Granaries open special hours Wednesdays 10-12 and 14-16

Entities

Institutions

  • Archaeological Park of Pompeii
  • Villa dei Misteri
  • Lupanare
  • House of the Ephebe
  • House of Sirico
  • Thermopolium
  • Regio V
  • Necropolis of Porta Ercolano

Locations

  • Pompeii
  • Italy

Sources