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

Pompeii, the ancient Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, now finds itself hosting an unusual sight - a collection of giant lobster sculptures. Scottish artist Philip Colbert has installed these whimsical creatures throughout the ruins, transforming the historic site with his latest art project, "Pompeii: Pop Mythology."

Colbert's installation, which marks the first contemporary sculpture exhibition in Pompeii in 30 years, features three dozen lobster sculptures ranging from several feet tall to intricate designs like a lobster disguised as a Roman column. The artworks occupy prominent locations within the archaeological park, including inside some of the ancient homes.

For Colbert, the lobster installation is a way to bridge ancient history with modern art, saying "Pompeii is, for me, the ultimate city of antiquity... I can't think of a more powerful setting in which to create a sculptural dialogue about time, identity and the ways art can transcend its limitations."

Some of the sculptures depict the lobster as a futuristic ruin while others nod to Pompeii's famous mosaics featuring sea creatures. The most symbolic piece sits in the Casa del Fauno, built in the 2nd century BCE and known for its mosaics that prominently feature a lobster.

Colbert, who has been dubbed the "godson of Andy Warhol" by Vogue editor André Leon Talley, sees the exhibition as a way to offer visitors a fresh perspective on Pompeii. The artist once visited a Roman fort in Scotland as a child, which sparked his lifelong connection to ancient history and ultimately led to his latest Pompeii-inspired art installation.