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  • Approximately thirty-six large lobster sculptures have been placed throughout the archaeological site of Pompeii.
  • The exhibition marks the first time contemporary sculptures have been installed in the ancient city since the mid-1990s.
  • Artist Philip Colbert intends to juxtapose modern pop culture with historical ruins to explore themes of time and identity.

Visitors to the archaeological site of Pompeii are encountering an unexpected visual contrast between ancient Roman ruins and large, costumed crustacean figures. Approximately thirty-six lobster sculptures, created by Scottish artist Philip Colbert, have been installed across the remains of the city that was buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 C.E. This exhibition, titled 'Pompeii: Pop Mythology,' represents a significant shift in how contemporary art interacts with this specific historical location, as it is the first project of its kind to be permitted within the site in thirty years.

The installation features artworks that vary in material and design, including pieces made from black steel and bronze. Many of the sculptures stand taller than an average adult, ensuring they are visible against the backdrop of ash-preserved structures. The artist has positioned these figures in prominent locations throughout the archaeological park, such as near the antiquarium exhibition space and the basilica, which served as a legal and administrative center in ancient times. Some designs incorporate elements of Roman architecture, with one lobster disguised as a column and another wearing a replica of the Colosseum as a collar.

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A notable aspect of this project is the rare permission granted to place statues inside private residences within the ruins. One sculpture, depicting a lobster in a pink turtleneck holding a miniature temple, is located in the Casa di Cerere. This building was named after a terracotta bust of Ceres, the goddess of the earth, which was discovered there. Another significant installation stands in the Casa del Fauno, a large home built in the second century B.C.E. that is famous for its collection of mosaics.

The choice of location in the Casa del Fauno carries specific symbolic weight for the artist. One of the mosaics in this residence features a scene of sea creatures that prominently includes a lobster. Colbert has expressed a long-standing interest in the legacy of this symbol in ancient history, citing the mosaic as a masterpiece of lobster representation. By placing his modern interpretations near these historical artifacts, he aims to create a direct visual and conceptual link between the past and present.

Colbert describes Pompeii as a city that exists beyond time, embodying both tragedy and beauty while feeling suspended between eras. He views the site as an ideal setting for exploring how art can transcend its limitations and engage with themes of identity and temporality. The artist believes that the myth and storytelling surrounding Pompeii give it a cult status that allows his work to tap into deep historical currents. His goal is to help visitors experience the site with a fresh perspective, challenging traditional views of archaeology and preservation.

This project is part of a broader series of installations by Colbert that have taken place in cities around the world, including London, Shanghai, Seoul, Venice, and Rome. The artist has previously used the lobster motif to engage with Italian history and culture. During the 2022 Venice Biennale, he installed a giant floating lobster on a barge in the Giudecca canal, which marked the beginning of an effort to release thousands of actual lobsters back into the wild. In 2024, his 'House of the Lobster' exhibition explored the famed Pompeii mosaic with sculptures at the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Colbert’s artistic journey has been influenced by his childhood visits to a Roman fort outside of Perth, Scotland. He has referred to the cartoon lobster as his alter ego and has been described by some as the godson of Andy Warhol due to his pop art style. The artist sees his work as a way to bridge the gap between ancient locations and modern art, creating a sculptural dialogue that questions how we perceive history. His previous open-air exhibition in Sicily last year further demonstrated his commitment to placing these figures in historically significant Italian contexts.

The 'Pompeii: Pop Mythology' exhibition officially opened on July 27 and will remain on view through November. The inclusion of twelve new designs, some representing speculative ruins from an imagined future, adds a layer of futuristic speculation to the ancient setting. This juxtaposition invites viewers to consider not only how the past is preserved but also how it might be reimagined in the context of modern pop culture. The project stands as a unique experiment in integrating contemporary art into one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites.

While the installation has drawn attention for its bold aesthetic choices, it also raises questions about the appropriate boundaries for artistic intervention in historical spaces. By placing modern, colorful sculptures among gray stone ruins, Colbert challenges conventional notions of preservation and respect for antiquity. The response from visitors and critics will likely reflect differing views on whether such interventions enhance or detract from the historical experience. Regardless of interpretation, the project marks a notable moment in the ongoing conversation about how ancient sites are engaged with in the modern era.

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  • Smithsonian Magazine↗First a Volcanic Eruption, Now a Crustacean Invasion? See the Giant Lobsters Taking Over the Ancient City of Pompeii