Escape to the city and get lost in a world that disappeared more than 2,000 years ago. "Pompeii: The Exhibit — Life and Death in the Shadow of Vesuvius" has opened at the Discovery Center Times Square, and it’s a great escape of monumental proportions from today’s New Jersey.

Almost anything at the Discovery Center is worth seeing as the exhibits are phenomenal and probably the easiest major New York City exhibition venue to get to from here. Located on 44th between Broadway and 8th Avenue, it’s a 10-minute stroll from the Port Authority.

"Pompeii: The Exhibit" includes more than 250 artifacts including the largest collection of body casts and skeletons ever on display, including those of kids and pets. They’re creepy, and not appropriate for most children, although fascinating for adults. There are also impressively detailed depictions of daily life prior to the eruption, including markets, homes and, of course, a brothel.

In addition to mounting impressive walk-through exhibits, the Discovery Center is also known for its highly sophisticated movies and other digital experiences, and in this sense, the Pompeii exhibit will not disappoint. A brand-new ‘immersive movie experience’ is meant to make it feel as if you’re in the midst of the explosion as it happened 2,000 years ago — complete with flashing lights, a shaking floor, and rushing air.

Go. Escape. Discover. Be thankful our great city still stands. Have lunch. Be back before the kids come home for school.

If You Go: Discovery Center Times Square, open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day. It's located at 226 West 44th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue; directly across from Shubert Alley. Learn more@ www.discoverytsx.com.

Broadway Box (www.broadwaybox.com) is offering $5 off coupons!