Italian Consul General Visits POMPEII: The Exhibition 100,000th Guest is Welcomed

Today, leaders from Union Station welcomed Giuseppe Finocchiaro - Italian Consul General - to our beautiful city and historic home. The special welcome included walking highlights of the Station, followed by a tour of the North American Premiere of POMPEII: The Exhibition, presented by Bank of America.

During his visit, Consul General Finocchiaro took time to meet exhibition guests and help share in the celebration of the 100,000th EXHIBITION VISITOR. Additionally, the CLOSING DATE OF MONDAY, MAY 29TH was announced as Station officials emphasized what a rare opportunity this is to see nearly 200 precious and ancient artifacts on loan from the Naples National Archaeological Museum in Italy.

"What a terrific moment for Kansas City and all involved this morning at Union Station," Bob Regnier, Union Station Board Chairman, said. " POMPEII: The Exhibition is a remarkable educational experience that's attracted guests of all ages from throughout our community and across the country. The Italian Consul General was gracious with his praise of our commitment to present world-class cultural experiences that not only share important world history but also connect people on a personal level."

POMPEII: The Exhibition made its North American debut in Kansas City on November 19, 2016 in Union Station's Bank of America Gallery. And from opening day, the exhibition has been embraced with overwhelming enthusiasm by guests of all ages and interests.

"As with previous world-class exhibitions hosted by Union Station, Pompeii has been remarkable in its ability to connect with guests," George Guastello, president and CEO Union Station, said. "We've had guests who've traveled to Italy and toured the ruins of Pompeii tell us the Union Station exhibition delivered more captivating content and told a more complete and impactful story than they remember from their visit to the actual site . That's a wonderful validation and a call to action to those people who've not yet visited. With our announcement today of Monday, May 29th (Holiday Weekend of Bank of America's Celebration at the Station) as the closing day of this exhibition, we're expecting an even bigger surge in interest and attendance during these final weeks. Pompeii has truly been a runaway hit and further builds on our already stellar international reputation within the touring blockbuster exhibition community!"

POMPEII: The Exhibition is on pace to be a record-setting exhibition for Union Station. In addition to just over 100,000 total guest visits as of today, Station officials also announced a record number of Spring Break visitors to the exhibition . . . a total of over 20,000 in just 16 days.

Additionally, Union Station shared that expanded Saturday hours (opening at 9:00 am) will be in place starting April 1st thru May 29th to accommodate all who haven't yet visited. And to ensure the best possible exhibition experience, weekend tickets will now be sold as "Reserved Timed Entrances", which result in shorter wait times to enter the galleries while still allowing as much time inside the exhibition as each guest desires

"As with several previous high-demand exhibitions, we're adding more options for those who choose to visit on weekends," Nale Uhl, VP of Union Station Finance and Customer Service, said. "Monday thru Fridayvisits remain General Admission, just as they've been since Pompeii opened. For Saturday and Sundayvisits, guests are strongly encouraged to pre-purchase a Reserved Timed Ticket online, thus ensuring a shorter wait and guaranteed admission. Weekend walk-up tickets will still be available, but are subject to availability and potentially longer waits. The bottom line is we want to deliver the absolute best experience possible during these final nine exhibition weeks. Advance planning and ticket purchases will ensure that."

Station officials are also making available a special VIP ticket that allows priority admission at a time of your choosing and includes an audio guide to enhance the exhibition tour.

HOURS OF OPERATION: April 1st - May 29th

- Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

TICKET OPTIONS AND PRICES: APRIL 1ST - MAY 29TH

- Monday - Friday: VIP Voucher (Includes Audio Guide) - $29.95*
Adults - $19.95*
Children (3-12) - $15.95*
Union Station Member - $12.95*

- Saturday - Sunday: Reserved Timed Tickets (All weekend tickets are timed tickets)
VIP Voucher (includes audio guide and anytime arrival) - $29.95*
Adults - $22.95*
Children (3-12) - $15.95*
Union Station Member - $12.95*
*Excludes Taxes and Fees

- Audio Guides: $5 (or included with VIP Voucher)

Reserve your tickets today at WWW.UNIONSTATION.ORG/POMPEII or the Union Station Box Office. For more information about hours of operation, ticket prices and Group visits or how to become a Union Station Member, please call 816-460-2020or visit UnionStation.org.

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