Mummies of the World: The Exhibition brings together over 30 human and animal mummies. These mummies are either naturally or intentionally preserved. They originate from South America, Europe, and ancient Egypt. The exhibition had its world premiere at the California Science Center in 2010. It has fascinated millions throughout Europe and the United States.
It returns to Los Angeles for its closing venue. This is a last chance to view this extraordinary exhibition. It includes a new selection of specimens never-before-seen in Los Angeles.
Guests will explore the science of natural mummification in varied environments. These environments range from glaciers and deserts to underground European crypts. Guests will learn about the methods used to intentionally preserve animals and people. These methods were used in cultures from ancient Egypt and Peru to modern day medical studies.
Opening on Saturday, February 7th, the exhibition includes CT scans (computed tomography) of full-body mummies. It also features burial objects and mummification tools. Additionally, there are interactive audio-visual programs on the stories revealed by scientific analysis. Through the lens of science, guests can appreciate how mummification preserves irreplaceable physical and biological evidence. They also learn that the scientific study of mummies offers insights into the lives of ancient peoples. It reveals details about past civilizations and reflects our ever-changing world.
Among the highlights are select specimens never-before-seen in Los Angeles and rarely toured, including:
- 18th-century medical mummies
- Two mummified ancient Egyptian priests
- Shrunken sloth head
- Two ancient Peruvian bundle mummies, making their West Coast debut and on tour for the first time in over 60 years
- MUMAB (Mummy of the University of Maryland at Baltimore), the first ancient Egyptian-style mummification performed in 2,800 years to examine through replication the famous but poorly understood procedure
Mummies of the World: The Exhibition will be on view in the Weingart Foundation Special Exhibits Gallery. It will be located on the 3rd Floor of the California Science Center. Timed entry tickets are required.