Mummies of the World Arrives in Charlotte Under Security for Exhibition's Debut at Discovery Place

Motorcade and security detail escorted largest collection of mummies ever assembled through the streets of Charlotte for groundbreaking exhibition’s Southern US premiere

November 01, 2011

CHARLOTTE, NC (November 1, 2011) – More than 40 precious mummies arrived in Charlotte today under security detail as part of the upcoming Mummies of the World exhibition at Discovery Place. This normally hidden portion of exhibition load-in was opened for media coverage by Discovery Place in conjunction with the exhibition’s producer. The mummies traveled more than 500 miles from Philadelphia to make their highly-anticipated Charlotte debut as part of the must-see Mummies of the World exhibition—the largest exhibition of real mummies and related artifacts ever assembled.

Upon arrival, the security detail and exhibitors signed over the mummies for the Museum’s safe-keeping and key executives and experts spoke to the press about the upcoming exhibition, which opens at Discovery Place on Friday, November 11, 2011. Marc Corwin, president of American Exhibitions, Inc. – producer of the groundbreaking exhibition – was joined by John Mackay, president and CEO of Discovery Place for the occasion, embracing the arrival of the mummies to Charlotte. Also on hand to speak with the media about the science and background of the highly acclaimed exhibition was Dr. Heather Gill-Frerking, the Scientific Research Curator for the German Mummy Project (GMP), which is based in Mannheim, Germany, at the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums, a cooperation partner in the Mummies of the World exhibition.

“We are excited to bring Mummies of the World to Charlotte, and the arrival and official hand-off of the mummies to a new venue is always a special day,” said Corwin. “Mummies of the World provides an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see real human and animal mummies from around the world. It’s truly an eye-opening experience. We think the Charlotte market will welcome and embrace the chance to explore the lives and cultures of these ancient people and civilizations.”

Mummies of the World features an astounding collection of 150 specimens and objects, including real human and animal mummies and related artifacts. Through modern science and engaging interactive and multimedia exhibits, the exhibition reveals how the scientific study of mummies provides a window into the lives of ancient people, offering unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations. It also demonstrates that mummification – both through natural processes and intentional practices – has taken place all over the globe, from the hot desert sands of South America to remote European moors and bogs.

Following the arrival, curators and exhibition staff will work day and night on the load-in and installation of the exhibition, which is set to debut at Discovery Place on November 11, 2011. These curators will work around the clock to ensure the mummies are properly displayed prior to opening, and treated with reverence and dignity.

“We are proud to be able to host such a world-class collection,” said Mackay. “This is a truly unique opportunity to experience mummies from around the world, demonstrating that mummies do not just come from Egypt but can be found around the globe. Discovery Place is honored to be able to offer such a perception-changing and thought-provoking collection to the region.”

Mummies of the World is a timed-entry ticketed event. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Tickets can be purchased by calling (704) 372-6261 or online at discoveryplace.org. For more information about Mummies of the World, please visit discoveryplace.org or mummiesoftheworld.com.

About Discovery Place

One of the top hands-on science museums in the nation, Discovery Place provides ever-changing, entertaining facilities that engage the public in the active exploration of science and nature. More than a half-million people from all over the United States visit Discovery Place, its IMAX® Dome Theatre and Charlotte Nature Museum each year. In June 2010, the Museum completed an 18-month, $31.6 million renovation, resulting in a completely transformed and re-imagined experience with all-new interactive exhibits. Discovery Place is supported, in part, with operating support from the Arts & Science Council.

Discovery Place is located in uptown Charlotte at 301 N. Tryon Street. Convenient parking is available in the Museum’s parking deck – the Carol Grotnes Belk Complex – at the corner of Sixth and Church Streets. For more information about Discovery Place call (704) 372-6261 or visit discoveryplace.org or connect with Discovery Place on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

About American Exhibitions
American Exhibitions, Inc. produces world-class touring exhibitions for science centers and museums that excite, educate and engage visitors. As a longstanding member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) and the American Association of Museums (AAM), American Exhibitions, Inc. is one of the leading exhibit producers in the United States. www.americanexhibitions.com.

About Reiss-Engelhorn Museums
Reiss-Engelhorn Museums, an internationally acclaimed complex in Mannheim, Germany, has been one of the major venues for exhibitions in Europe in the realms of archeology and world cultures. With a collection that began in the early 1700s, the museum houses more than 1.2 million objects in its collection, comprising over 300,000 square feet of exhibition space. rem-mannheim.de/

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