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Modern science and technology offer compelling window into the past

Largest collection of mummies ever assembled to make Intermountain Region premiere for limited engagement

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (October 24, 2012) – The nationally recognized Mummies of the World exhibition will make its Intermountain Region debut at The Leonardo, a contemporary museum fusing science, technology and creativity, on Saturday, February 16, 2013. The presentation in Salt Lake City will mark the seventh stop of the exhibition’s exclusive three-year tour of the United States. This astonishing collection of mummies and related artifacts includes a 6,420-year-old child mummy from Peru (“Detmold Child”) dating 3,000 years before King Tut.  The exhibition has been declared as “Magical and mythical” by the New York Times presenting a never-before seen collection of rare mummies from across the world — including South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Egypt — that spans eons of time and transcends history. The Intermountain Region debut of Mummies of the World is sponsored by Merit Medical.

With its astounding collection of 150 specimens and objects, Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of real human and animal mummies and related artifacts ever assembled. Through modern science and engaging interactive and multi-media 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 bogs.

“The Leonardo has the unique ability and mission of bringing major educational experiences like Mummies of the World to the people of Utah and the Intermountain West,” said Alexandra Hesse, executive director of The Leonardo.  “Thanks to modern tools from biology and chemistry, medical imaging, DNA science and even 3D animation, young people and adults will gain a deeper understanding of people, cultures and environments of the past. In doing so, we hope to instill a sense of curiosity and wonder in each visitor.”

“Supporting The Leonardo in bringing Mummies of the World to this community is a natural fit for Merit Medical,” said Fred Lampropoulos, CEO of the company, which develops, manufactures and distributes medical devices.  “The continued success of our business depends on a well-educated local workforce. By supporting unique educational experiences that inspire young people to explore careers in science and technology, we are enriching our community, and stepping up as a corporate citizen. We appreciate this opportunity to give back.”

In addition to the Detmold Child, the rare and ancient objects presented in Mummies of the World include the Vac Mummies, a mummified family from Hungary believed to have died from tuberculosis; the Baron von Holz, a German nobleman found tucked away in the family crypt of a 14^th century castle wearing his best leather boots; an ancient Peruvian woman naturally mummified in the warm desert air, with mysterious tattoos on her face and chest, and long black hair intact; and a howler monkey from Argentina, with its fierce expression and adorned with a feather skirt and headdress.

“We are excited to bring Mummies of the World to Salt Lake City,” said Marc Corwin, president of American Exhibitions, Inc. “Most people think mummies come from Egypt and are wrapped, but mummies come from all over the world. The exhibition is changing centuries-old perceptions about what the general public thinks about mummies and providing insight into the lives and cultures of these ancient people. Inside every mummy is a story waiting to be told, and Mummies of the World is here to tell those stories.”

The concept for the exhibition began with the rediscovery of 21 specimens within the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums of Mannheim, Germany in 2004. A consortium of mummy researchers, known as the German Mummy Project, used DNA analysis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer tomography (CT), radiocarbon dating and mass spectrometry to learn more, and engaged the cooperation of 21 world-renowned museums, organizations and collections in seven countries to make this innovative exhibition possible.

Mummies of the World will be on display at The Leonardo from February 16, 2013 through May 27, 2013. The exhibition is generously supported by Merit Medical. For more information, please visit http://www.theleonardo.org/ or www.mummiesoftheworld.com.

About The Leonardo

The Leonardo is a contemporary museum in downtown Salt Lake City connecting science, technology and creativity. The mission of The Leonardo is to inspire curiosity and innovative thinking in visitors of all ages through a variety of hands-on exhibits, workshops, classes and events. For more information about The Leonardo, visit www.theleonardo.org. For an up-to-date schedule of events, visit www.theleonardo.org/current_news/calendar/.  For an overview of current exhibits, click www.theleonardo.org/exhibits/.

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. For more information, visit www.americanexhibitions.com.

About Reiss-Engelhorn Museums

Reiss-Engelhorn Museums, an internationally acclaimed museum complex in Mannheim, Germany, is one of the major venues for exhibitions in Europe in the fields 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, and has over 300,000 square feet of exhibition space. For more information, visit www.rem-mannheim.de/.

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