According to Marise McDermott, president and CEO of the Witte, “We are so delighted with the great turnout for opening week at the Witte Museum. Mummies of the World is clearly the next must-see exhibition to hit San Antonio.”

“The exhibition is changing centuries-old perceptions about mummies, and we are pleased to see that the exhibition continues to generate crowds and rave reviews from the public and the press in each market in which it travels,” said Marc Corwin, president of American Exhibitions, Inc. “We are thrilled with the exhibition’s opening weekend success in San Antonio.”

Mummies of the World present a never-before-seen collection of rare mummies from around the world and the first exhibition of its kind to be showcased at the Witte. The exhibition was developed by American Exhibitions, Inc., in association with the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums (REM).

Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of real mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, featuring an astounding collection of 150 specimens and objects including real human and animal mummies, and related artifacts from South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Ancient Egypt. The exhibition will be on display at the Witte Museum through January 27, 2013, and is generously supported by San Antonio Express-News, Tesoro, Don Strange of Texas, Inc., Great Events and Rentals and the City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs. For more information: www.wittemuseum.org or www.mummiesoftheworld.com.

Upon arrival, the security detail and exhibitors signed over the mummies for the Museum’s safe-keeping and key exhibition and venue representatives spoke to the press about the upcoming exhibition, which opens at the Witte on Saturday, September 29, 2012. Marc Corwin (pictured left), president of American Exhibitions, Inc. – producer of the groundbreaking exhibition – was joined by Dr. Heather Gill-Frerking, Director of Science & Education for the Mummies of the World exhibition, and Marise McDermott, president and CEO of the Witte Museum, for the occasion. Following the arrival, curators and exhibition staff will work day and night on the load-in and installation of the exhibition to ensure the mummies are properly displayed, and treated with reverence and dignity.

“We are excited to bring Mummies of the World to San Antonio, 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 San Antonio 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 from South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Ancient Egypt. 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.

“We are proud to be able to host such a world-class collection,” said McDermott. “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 all over the globe. The Witte is honored to be able to offer such a perception-changing and thought-provoking collection to the region.”

Mummies of the World will be on display at the Witte Museum from September 29, 2012 through January 27, 2013. The exhibition is generously supported by San Antonio Express-News, Tesoro, and the City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs.

For more information: www.wittemuseum.org or www.mummiesoftheworld.com.

The blockbuster traveling exhibition, currently on display at MOSI in Tampa, may be best known for enhancing the cultural and educational aspects of the cities in which it exhibits, but the study in Charlotte shows that Mummies of the World also contributes to the economic well-being of these regions in a meaningful way.

The study showed that 54% of visitors to the exhibition resided outside of Mecklenburg County. Those who traveled to see the exhibition spent an average of $212.17 per group on the trip, showing that Mummies of the World not only makes a financial impact on the local community, but also drives tourism to the local markets in which it displays.

Discovery Place partnered with the CRVA to conduct the economic impact study of the exhibition in order to measure the contributions to the development of the community.

Mummies of the World was developed by American Exhibitions, Inc., in association with the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums (REM). For more information: www.mummiesoftheworld.com.

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/.

Media Contact:
Mallory McQuail
Zucker Public Relations, Inc.
(561) 391-5930 ext. 307
mallory@zuckerpr.com

Stacy Sidman (second from left), general manager for Mummies of the World Touring Company, was joined by Ralph Bosek (center), COO of MOSI, in presenting the tickets to Roy L. Hawkins, Jr. (second from right), deputy director of the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, with two of the Hospital’s veterans also onsite to share in the occasion.

Since 1972, the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital has been improving the health of the men and women who have so proudly served our nation. This hospital is the busiest of four polytrauma facilities in the nation, making services available to more than 116,000 veterans living in a four-county area of Florida. The $10,000 in family four-packs donated by Mummies of the World and MOSI will provide James A. Haley Veterans’ patient families the opportunity to escape for an afternoon and experience the exhibition at their leisure.

Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, featuring an astounding collection of 150 specimens including real human and animal mummies, and related artifacts from South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Ancient Egypt. The exhibition is currently on display at MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) in Tampa, FL through September 9, 2012. More information is available online at www.mummiesoftheworld.com.

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.

“Mummies of the World will change visitors’ understanding of what mummies are and what can be learned from them,” said Marise McDermott, president and CEO of the Witte Museum. “The mummies in this exhibition have been studied using cutting edge, non-intrusive technology to provide insights into lives and cultures of long ago. Modern science truly can shed new light on very old ideas and the Witte is honored to offer such a perception-changing and thought-provoking collection to the region.”

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 14th 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 San Antonio,” 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 Witte Museum from September 29, 2012 through January 27, 2013. The exhibition is generously supported by Tesoro and the City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs. For more information, please visit www.wittemuseum.org or www.mummiesoftheworld.com.

About The Witte Museum
The Witte Museum promotes lifelong learning through innovative exhibitions, programs and collections in natural history, science and South Texas Heritage. Founded in 1926 as San Antonio’s premiere museum, the Witte is located on the banks of the beautiful San Antonio River in Brackenridge Park. For more information, please visit www.WitteMuseum.org.

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/.

Media Contact:
Mallory McQuail
Zucker Public Relations, Inc.
(561) 391-5930 ext. 307
mallory@zuckerpr.com

Beginning Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1, 2012, Discovery Place will extend hours Saturday from 10am to 7pm, and Sunday from noon to 7pm. The final week of the exhibition, the Museum will be open Monday, April 2 through Wednesday, April 4 from 9am to 6pm; Thursday, April 5 and Friday, April 6 from 9am to 8pm; and the final weekend, will extend hours from 10am to 8pm on Saturday, April 7 and from 11am to 8pm on Sunday, April 8—the final day of the exhibition.

Mummies of the World is currently in its final weeks at Discovery Place and must close April 8, 2012. Advance reservations are highly recommended so that visitors do not miss the chance to experience the world-class exhibition. Tickets can be purchased by calling (704) 372-6261 or online at discoveryplace.org.

For more information: mummies.discoveryplace.org or mummiesoftheworld.com.

Media Contact:
Mallory McQuail
Zucker Public Relations, Inc.
(561) 391-5930 x307
mallory@zuckerpr.com

According to Marc Corwin, president and CEO of American Exhibitions, Inc., “We are pleased to have been able to partner with Discovery Place to sponsor this community initiative that provided more than 400 children the chance to experience and engage in Mummies of the World before it leaves Charlotte—an opportunity they may not have otherwise been afforded.”

Mummies of the World will soon be entering its final weeks at Discovery Place. The exhibition must close April 8, 2012 to continue on its limited U.S. tour. Advance reservations are highly recommended so that visitors do not miss the chance to experience the must-see exhibition. Tickets can be purchased by calling (704) 372-6261 or online at discoveryplace.org.

For more information: mummies.discoveryplace.org or mummiesoftheworld.com.

Media Contact:
Mallory McQuail
Zucker Public Relations, Inc.
(561) 391-5930 x307
mallory@zuckerpr.com

Lucky 100,000th visitor Beth Addison of Charlotte received a special prize package with “hundreds” of goodies including a Discovery Place Membership ($100 value); a $100 grocery gift card; a $100 gas card; a $100 gift certificate to the Shop Science store at Discovery Place; and $100 worth of Mummies of the World merchandise, including a DVD, catalog, t-shirt, and more.

Mummies of the World will soon be entering its final weeks at Discovery Place. The exhibition must close April 8, 2012 to continue on its limited U.S. tour. Advance reservations are highly recommended so that visitors do not miss the chance to experience the must-see exhibition. Tickets can be purchased by calling (704) 372-6261 or online at discoveryplace.org.

For more information: mummies.discoveryplace.org or mummiesoftheworld.com.

Media Contact:
Mallory McQuail
Zucker Public Relations, Inc.
(561) 391-5930 x307
mallory@zuckerpr.com

Stacy Sidman (second from right), General Manager for American Exhibitions, Inc., was joined by Dean Briere (far right), executive vice president and COO of Discovery Place, Inc., in presenting the tickets to Jenna Westbrook, Development Director of Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte (center). Patient James Seals, 11, and mother, Crystal Austin (second from left), were also onsite to share in the occasion.

American Exhibitions is committed to giving back to the communities in which it presents its exhibition. The $10,000 in family four-packs being donated will provide Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte patient families the opportunity to escape for an afternoon and experience Mummies of the World at their leisure.

Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, featuring an astounding collection of 150 specimens and objects including real human and animal mummies, and related artifacts from South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Ancient Egypt. The acclaimed traveling exhibition opened at Discovery Place on November 11, 2011 to rave reviews, and is currently on display in Charlotte through April 8, 2012.

For more information about the exhibition: www.mummiesoftheworld.com.

And, Charlotte has welcomed the mummies. Following a highly-successful opening weekend at Discovery Place that saw thousands of visitors, the public’s response and intrigue for Mummies of the World has grown. To accommodate holiday crowds, Discovery Place extended its hours December 26-30 to allow more families and vacationers the chance to experience the exhibition, which attracted thousands during that week alone.

“We are thrilled with the exhibition’s continued success in Charlotte,” said Marc Corwin, president of American Exhibitions, Inc. “The milestones we are able to achieve are proof that real mummies intrigue the general public and are a dynamic draw for the cities and venues in which they are exhibited. We are pleased to see that the exhibition continues to generate attendance and buzz in every market we travel to.”

Mummies of the World will be on display at Discovery Place through April 8, 2012 and reservations are highly recommended. Tickets can be purchased by calling (704) 372-6261 or online at discoveryplace.org.

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 Museum 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, visit www.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. 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/.

Media Contacts:
Mallory McQuail Logan Stewart
Zucker Public Relations, Inc. Discovery Place
(561) 391-5930 x307 (704) 348-1972
mallory@zuckerpr.com logans@discoveryplace.org