Once upon a time, Pompeii was a thriving, sophisticated Italian metropolis. It had an advanced military and bustling port. It had families and rulers. It had culture and commerce. And then, on August 24, 79 A.D., the thriving and vibrant city of Pompeii was buried by the eruption of Vesuvius. It was the ultimate disappearing act... except. Except that, somehow, against all odds and through a combination of physics, chemistry, and sheer luck, Pompeii was perfectly preserved beneath the rubble and ruin, waiting patiently to be discovered once again. And discover it you will at "Pompeii: The Exhibition," an immersive and moving exhibit running now through July 28, 2024, at the Cincinnati Museum Center. I recently attended this Ohio exhibit with my family, and was rendered speechless by the incredible story and people of Pompeii.

On August 24, 79 A.D., the vibrant city of Pompeii was covered by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

In an instant, an entire city vanished... sort of. Because what nature ruined, it also preserved; Pompeii lay buried in shockingly pristine condition beneath the ruin and rubble.

And Pompeii is uncovered and on full display at "Pompeii: The Exhibition," a limited-run exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center in Ohio.

Through over 150 artifacts, historical reconstructions, 4D video, and more, the Cincinnati Museum Center has brought the story of Pompeii to life in an immersive and interactive way.

My kids range in age from six to 13, and they were all thoroughly impressed by this exhibit. My oldest, Julian, is taking Latin and really into D&D, and he loved the holographic gladiatorial combat.

Despite being a historical exhibit, "Pompeii" boasts loads of technological features that make it modern and relevant. In addition to the 4D video and holographs, for an extra fee, there’s a VR experience that lets you “fly” above the skies of Pompeii!

For me, it was the 4D presentation of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius that evoked tears and so much emotion; I think that, as a parent, grasping the full extent of the ruin and destruction hit me especially hard.

Of course, getting an up-close at the relics left behind -- and somehow impeccably preserved -- is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity no one should pass up. The story of Pompeii isn't just one for the books; it's a tale which which everyone should be familiar. It's the ultimate redemption story, really.

Have you been to "Pompeii: The Exhibition" at the Cincinnati Museum Center yet? Whether you're into history, culture, or simply a curious person like me, this limited-run exhibit is a must visit. Visit the Cincinnati Museum Center to learn more and purchase tickets for "Pompeii: The Exhibition," which runs through July 28, 2024.

And if you have to travel down to Cincinnati, Ohio, for the Pompeii exhibit, why not book a night in this luxury condo downtown?