This summer, OKCMOA visitors will be transported to Italy with the exhibition “The Painters of Pompeii: Roman Frescoes from the National Archaeological Museum, Naples” and the pop-up restaurant Café Pompeii by Patrono. Café Pompeii will open on June 22 in the Museum Cafe, just in time for the opening of “The Painters of Pompeii” on June 26.
“We pride ourselves on being a place where everyone feels welcome and comfortable,” said Michael J. Anderson, Ph.D., OKCMOA president and CEO. “Café Pompeii by Patrono will be the perfect complement to a visit to ‘The Painters of Pompeii’ and will offer our guests a place to relax and enjoy a casual lunch and a cocktail or coffee. We will reopen our beautiful patio for al fresco dining and add new kid-friendly options to the menu.”
“Patrono has always been a favorite of our Museum staff, and we are thrilled to partner with them on this new venture,” Anderson continued. “Our thanks go to Robert Painter and the Patrono staff for their hard work getting the restaurant ready in time for our busiest season.”
Patrono Italian, located in downtown OKC just one block from the Civic Center and OKCMOA, specializes in true Italian flavors. The menu offers charcuterie, pastas, grilled meats, fish and chef’s nightly features. The wine list is comprised of 100% Italian wines.
The Museum’s restaurant, the Museum Cafe, has been closed since March 2020. Café Pompeii will be fast-casual and specialize in lunch, light bites, coffees, wine, beer and cocktails. The pop-up restaurant will be counter service with open seating, including the dining room and patio.
Café Pompeii will share hours with the Museum and be open from June 22 through Oct. 17. The Museum begins summer hours on June 22 and will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
“The Painters of Pompeii” highlights a seldom seen medium – the Roman wall painting – which was pervasive in ancient Rome, through over 80 artifacts and artworks. As one of only two large bodies of ancient painting in existence today, this exhibition represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The exhibition is organized by the National Archaeological Museum, Naples and MondoMostre. Tickets are on sale now at okcmoa.com/pompeii.
