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.

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 Wit Ostrenko, president and CEO of MOSI. “The mummies in this exhibition have been studied using cutting edge, non-destructive technology to provide insights into lives and cultures of long ago. Modern science truly can shed new lights on very old ideas and MOSI 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 Tampa,” 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 premiered to sell out crowds in Los Angeles at the California Science Center in July 2010. It quickly became a major attraction and one of the most successful exhibits in the Science Center’s 13-year history. The debut of the exhibition at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in June 2011 attracted attendance by visitors from all 50 states and more than 20 countries in just one month after opening. Prior to opening in Charlotte, the exhibition had sold more than 18,000 advance tickets – the most sold in the history of the exhibition – and has also received a total of more than half a million visitors since its World Premiere.

Mummies of the World will be on exhibition from April 27, 2012 through September 3, 2012. Tickets are now on sale and reservations are highly recommended. Mummies of the World is a timed-entry exhibition, so before making a purchase, visitors will be asked to select the date and time of their visit. Tickets can be purchased by calling (813) 987-6000.

MOSI will be offering special packages that include regular admission plus Mummies of the World, as well as a Mummies of the World only ticket. Please call (813) 987-6000 for pricing and/or reservations.

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

Discovery Place, in partnership with the groundbreaking Mummies of the World exhibition, encouraged Charlotte-area residents to drop off new and gently used coats at Discovery Place Admissions beginning December 10, 2011 through December 20, 2011.

The Charlotte community responded, and in less than two weeks, Discovery Place and Mummies of the World collected more than 450 coats, making the collection a tremendous success. All coats collected will be turned over to the Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte and beginning in January, will be distributed to area families in need.

For more information: mummies.discoveryplace.org or 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 moors and bogs.

“Mummies of the World will change visitors’ understanding of what mummies are and what can be learned from them,” said John Mackay, president and CEO of Discovery Place, Inc. “The mummies in this exhibition have been studied using cutting edge, non-destructive technology to provide insights into lives and cultures of long ago. Modern science truly can shed new lights on very old ideas and Discovery Place 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 Charlotte,” 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 premiered to sell out crowds in Los Angeles at the California Science Center in July 2010. It quickly became a major attraction and one of the most successful exhibits in the Science Center’s 13-year history. The debut of the exhibition at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in June 2011 attracted attendance by visitors from all 50 states and more than 20 countries in just one month after opening.

Mummies of the World will be on exhibition from November 11, 2011 through April 8, 2012. Tickets are now on sale and reservations are highly recommended. Mummies of the World is a timed-entry exhibition, so before making a purchase, visitors will be asked to select the date and time of their visit. Tickets can be purchased by calling (704) 372-6261 or online at discoverplace.org.

Admission to Mummies of the World is $24 for adults; $18 for children ages 2-13; and, $20 for students with ID and seniors ages 60+. All tickets include full-day admission to Discovery Place. Group and Member discounts are available. Children ages 12 and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult while in Discovery Place.

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.

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 discoveryplace.org or connect with Discovery Place on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

PHILADELPHIA, PA (October 10, 2011) – Just weeks remain before Mummies of the World, the largest exhibition of real mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, leaves The Franklin Institute for good. Visitors and residents of Philadelphia and the surrounding community are encouraged not to miss out on the opportunity to visit this must-see exhibition before it continues on its tour across the country.

In honor of the final weekend, The Franklin Institute will “turn off the lights” for a very special Mummies of the World late-night flashlight tour on Friday, October 21 from 9pm to 11pm. This unique experience will have attendees following an expert guide through the darkened interior of the exhibition, meeting and learning about all of the incredible mummies along the way. Every mummy has a story waiting to be told, and the event will allow visitors to learn those stories in a fun and unusual setting just in time for Halloween. Tours will depart every half hour beginning at 9pm. Guests are asked to arrive 15 minutes early. Flashlights will be provided. For ticket prices or more information, visit www.fi.edu.

Mummies of the World presents a never-before-seen collection of 150 artifacts and real human and animal specimens from South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Egypt. The exhibition premiered to sell out crowds in Los Angeles at the California Science Center in July 2010. It quickly became a major attraction and one of the most successful exhibits in the Science Center’s 13-year history. It then debuted at the Milwaukee Public Museum on December 17, where it drew visitors from all 50 states – a feat also matched at The Franklin Institute, where Mummies attracted visitors from all 50 states and more than 20 countries in just one short month after opening in Philadelphia.

“We are so pleased to have been able to bring Mummies of the World to the Philadelphia market, and to provide the public here with this rare opportunity to learn about the history, stories and science involved in the study of mummies,” says Marc Corwin, president of American Exhibitions, Inc. “We encourage those in the area interested in viewing the exhibition to be sure and plan ahead, as this is their last chance to see it before the mummies make their move to Charlotte.”

Mummies of the World is currently in its final weeks at The Franklin Institute, closing October 23, after which it will travel to Charlotte, opening at Discovery Place on November 11, 2011. To avoid long lines at the box office, visitors are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance online at www.fi.edu or by calling (877) TFI-TIXS.
For more information about the exhibit: www.mummiesoftheworld.com.

Media Contacts:
Mallory McQuail Zucker Public Relations, Inc. (561) 391-5930 ext. 307 mallory@ZuckerPR.com
Stefanie Santo The Franklin Institute (215) 448-1152 ssanto@fi.edu

Philadelphia Eagle Todd Herremans joined Stacy Sidman (far right), General Manager of Mummies of the World Touring Company, LLC, in presenting the tickets to Susan Campbell (far left), Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Philadelphia. Patient Ellen Smith, 11, and her mother, Tracey McClain, were also onsite to share in the occasion.

Mummies of the World Touring Company is committed to giving back to the communities in which it presents its exhibition, dedicating time and resources to youth-related philanthropic endeavors in every market in which its exhibitions tour. The tickets donated will provide Ronald McDonald House 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 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 The Franklin Institute on June 18, 2011 to rave reviews, and is currently on display in Philadelphia through October 23, 2011.

Philadelphia, PA (July 28, 2011) – Mummies of the World Touring Company, LLC, producer of the groundbreaking Mummies of the World exhibition, made a charitable donation of $10,000 to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation in a special presentation on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at The Franklin Institute.

Marc Corwin (right), CEO of Mummies of the World Touring Company, LLC, presented the check to Stuart Sullivan (left center), Executive VP and Chief Development Officer of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation. Joining in the celebration was Larry Dubinski (left), Senior VP of External Affairs for The Franklin Institute, along with CHOP patient Josiah Harmes (right center) and his family, who were there to share in the occasion.

“Mummies of the World Touring Company is committed to giving back to the communities in which it presents its exhibition,” said Corwin. “Our organization dedicates time and resources to youth- related philanthropic endeavors in every market in which our exhibitions tour. These donations will provide much needed funds to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to support the youth in Philadelphia and the surrounding community.”

Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, featuring an astounding collection of 150 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 The Franklin Institute on June 18, 2011 to rave reviews, and is currently on display in Philadelphia through October 23, 2011.

Mummies of the World is the largest exhibition of real mummies and related artifacts ever assembled. Featuring an astounding collection of 150 real human and animal specimens and authentic artifacts from South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Egypt, the exhibition provides a window into the lives of ancient people from every region of the world and offers unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations. Through modern science the exhibition 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 excited to bring Mummies of the World to Charlotte, a city that is known for its commitment to arts, culture and education,” said Marc Corwin, president of American Exhibitions, Inc., producer of Mummies of the World. “The exhibition offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the lives and cultures of ancient peoples. Inside every mummy is a story waiting to be told and through modern science and engaging interactives, their secrets are now revealed. We are pleased to be working with Discovery Place and look forward to being a part of the rich and diverse Charlotte-area community.”

Mummies of the World includes a mummified family from Hungary discovered in a forgotten church crypt; the Detmold Child, one of the oldest infant mummies ever discovered and almost 3,000 years older than King Tut; a 17th century German nobleman discovered in a family vault; and Egyptian animal mummies including a falcon, a fish, a dog and a baby crocodile, many of which were deliberately preserved to accompany royals for eternity.

Mummies of the World tells the story of the mummies through state-of-the-art multimedia, hands-on interactive stations and cutting-edge 3-D animation taking visitors on a 6,500-year journey to explore the mummies’ history and origins as well as how they were created through both intentional and natural processes. Through computer tomography (CT) scans, researchers have determined that prior to death many of the mummies showed evidence of various ailments and illnesses, some of them endemic among families.
The concept for the exhibition began in 2004 with the German Mummy Project’s rediscovery of 20 specimens within the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums of Mannheim, Germany. A consortium of mummy researchers used DNA analysis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 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 engross visitors in both the science that brings history to life as well as the history that science reveals,” said John Mackay, president and CEO of Discovery Place, Inc. “This stunning collection has so much to teach us about people and cultures that once thrived. Discovery Place is honored to offer such an exciting, unique and educational experience to the region.”

Mummies of the World will be on exhibition from November 11, 2011 through April 8, 2012. Tickets are now on sale and reservations are highly recommended. Mummies of the World is a timed-entry exhibition, so before making a purchase, visitors will be asked to select the date and time of their visit.

Visitors may purchase tickets:

1. Via phone at (704) 372-6261 x300. Callers can purchase tickets to the exhibition with a credit card during regular Museum hours and may pick them up at Discovery Place Admissions prior to or on the day of their visit.
2. In person at Discovery Place. Visitors can purchase tickets at Discovery Place Admissions in the Museum during regular Museum hours.
Admission to Mummies of the World is $24 for adults; $18.00 for children ages 2-13; and, $20 for students with ID and seniors ages 60+. All tickets include full-day admission to Discovery Place. Group and Member discounts are available. Children age 12 and under must be accompanied by a responsible adult while in Discovery Place.
For more information about Mummies of the World visit: www.discoveryplace.org or www.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 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. 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