The largest collection of real mummies and related artifacts ever assembled is coming to Arizona Science Center. Premiering the evening of February 9 with the Center’s Galaxy Gala, and open to the public February 10 through September 2, 2019. Mummies of the World: The Exhibition features 40 real human and animal mummies and 85 rare artifacts from across the globe. This blockbuster exhibition, arriving in Phoenix straight from Budapest, Hungary, provides a window into the lives of ancient people from every region of the world including Europe, South America and Ancient Egypt, offering unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations.
The exhibition will enthrall guests with dramatic displays of the mummies and their personal stories, as well as state-of-the-art multimedia stations that will take visitors on a 4,500-year journey to explore the mummies’ history and origins as well as how they were created.
“Mummies of the World: The Exhibition has everything we look for in an exhibition of this scale — science, history, culture, and intrigue,” said Chevy Humphrey, the Hazel A. Hare President and CEO of Arizona Science Center. “I don’t know anyone who isn’t fascinated by mummies, and Phoenix will now have an opportunity to get face-to-face with these people from the past. I cannot wait to open the doors for visitors to experience the magic of mummies.”
Through modern science, Mummies of the World: The Exhibition demonstrates how mummification can take place through both natural and intentional practices. Included in the collection are the Vac Mummies, a mummified family from Hungary believed to have died from tuberculosis, preserved in a small church until the remains of 265 mummies were discovered by a bricklayer during repair work in 1994; Baron Von Holz, a German nobleman found tucked away in the family crypt of a 14th century castle wearing his best leather boots after perishing in the castle while seeking refuge from the Thirty Years’ War; Egyptian animal mummies including a cat, falcon, fish, dog and baby crocodile, many of which were deliberately preserved to accompany royals for eternity; as well as MUMAB, the first authentic replication of the 2800 year old Egyptian mummification process, performed on a deceased Maryland man in 1994 using the same tools and methods as described on ancient Egyptian papyrus.
“Most people think mummies come from Egypt and are wrapped, but mummification has happened culturally throughout history as well as naturally, in various climates and circumstances across the globe,” said John Norman, President of IMG Exhibitions. “This exhibition changes centuries-old perceptions about what the general public thinks about mummies, providing insight into lives and cultures of these ancient people. Inside every mummy is a story waiting to be told, and Mummies of the World: The Exhibition is here to tell those stories.”
Arizona Science Center will host this exclusive exhibition on the heels of the record-breaking attendance generated from POMPEII: THE EXHIBITION, which drew more than 150,000 visitors before concluding its run at the Center in May 2018.
In addition to regular business hours, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., the Science Center will offer Mummies of the World: The Exhibition After Hours events giving guests evening opportunities to explore the exhibition (schedule to be announced). For more information, please visit www.azscience.org/mummies.
TICKET INFORMATION
Mummies of the World: The Exhibition opens the evening of February 9 with the Center’s Galaxy Gala and is open to the public February 10–Labor Day, September 2, 2019 in the Sybil B. Harrington galleries at Arizona Science Center, located at 600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Mummies of the World: The Exhibition requires a timed-entry ticket. Advance purchase is highly recommended. Members can purchase tickets beginning Monday, October 1, 2018. Ticket sales open to the public on Monday, October 8, 2018. Guests can purchase tickets online at azscience.org, or in person at Arizona Science Center. Mummies of the World: The Exhibition tickets are $9.95 for Member adults and $7.95 for Children (3-17). They are $11.95 for Non-Member adults and $9.95 for Children and $6 for Groups of 15 or more. The exhibition requires purchase of a general admission ticket.
ABOUT MUMMIES OF THE WORLD: THE EXHIBITION
Mummies of the World: The Exhibition, having been viewed by over 1.8 million visitors across the world, reveals how the scientific study of mummies provides a window into the lives of ancient people, offering unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations. The exhibition showcases galleries that explore the study of mummies linked to discoveries in modern medicine.
Mummies of the World: The Exhibition is generously supported by presenting sponsors Ellie and Michael Ziegler, and APS, BlueCross® BlueShield® of Arizona and U.S. Bank. Mummies of the World: The Exhibition is produced by IMG. Note that content in the exhibition may vary by market.
