According to Wit Ostrenko, president and CEO of MOSI, “We are so pleased with the incredible turnout for opening weekend. Mummies of the World is clearly the next must-see exhibition to hit Tampa, and trending to be one of the most successful exhibitions we have ever had at MOSI.”

“We are thrilled with the exhibition’s opening weekend success in Tampa,” said Marc Corwin, president of American Exhibitions, Inc. “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.”

Mummies of the World presents a never-before-seen collection of rare mummies from around the world, including South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Egypt. Featuring an 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, and the first exhibition of its kind to be showcased at MOSI. The exhibition was developed by American Exhibitions, Inc., in association with the Reiss-Engelhorn Museums (REM).

Mummies of the World will be on exhibition at MOSI through September 9, 2012 and advance reservations are highly recommended. Tickets can be purchased by calling (813) 987-6000. For more information, visit mosi.org or mummiesoftheworld.com.

About MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry)
MOSI is a not-for-profit, community-based institution and educational resource dedicated to advancing public interest, knowledge, and understanding of science, industry, and technology. With a total size of over 400,000 square feet, MOSI is the largest science center in the southeastern United States, and home to the only IMAX® Dome Theatre in the state of Florida. Kids In Charge! The Children’s Science Center at MOSI is the largest children’s science center in the nation. Disasterville, featuring WeatherQuest, combines education and 10,000 square feet of interactive exhibits on the science behind natural disasters. MOSI’s newest permanent exhibition, The Amazing You, explores the fascinating world of birth through end of life. Conquer your fears and experience an adrenaline rush like no other on MOSI’s newest permanent attraction, the Sky Trail® Ropes Course, featuring 36 elements on a 12 – 36 foot high, multilevel structure. MOSI is the proud winner of the 2009 National Medal for Museums by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the nation’s highest honor for museums. For more information on MOSI, visit www.mosi.org.

Mummies of the World presents a never-before-seen collection of rare mummies from around the world, including South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Egypt. Featuring an 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, and the first exhibition of its kind to be showcased at MOSI.

“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 rare and ancient objects presented in Mummies of the World include a 6,420-year-old child mummy from Peru, dating 3,000 years before King Tut; 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.

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 at MOSI from April 27, 2012 through September 9, 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. For more information, visit mosi.org or 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 MOSI on Friday, April 27, 2012. Marc Corwin (left), president of American Exhibitions, Inc. – producer of the groundbreaking exhibition – was joined by Wit Ostrenko (right), president and CEO of MOSI and Maruchi Azorin Blanco (center), MOSI Board Chair, 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 Tampa, 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, showcasing that mummies are not just wrapped and do not just come from Egypt. We think the Tampa 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.

“We are proud to be able to host such a world-class collection,” said Ostrenko. “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. MOSI 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 exhibition at MOSI through September 9, 2012, and is a timed-entry ticketed event. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Tickets can be purchased by calling (813) 987-6000.

For more information, visit mosi.org or mummiesoftheworld.com.

About MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry)
MOSI is a not-for-profit, community-based institution and educational resource dedicated to advancing public interest, knowledge, and understanding of science, industry, and technology. With a total size of over 400,000 square feet, MOSI is the largest science center in the southeastern United States, and home to the only IMAX® Dome Theatre in the state of Florida. Kids In Charge! The Children’s Science Center at MOSI is the largest children’s science center in the nation. Disasterville, featuring WeatherQuest, combines education and 10,000 square feet of interactive exhibits on the science behind natural disasters. MOSI’s newest permanent exhibition, The Amazing You, explores the fascinating world of birth through end of life. Conquer your fears and experience an adrenaline rush like no other on MOSI’s newest permanent attraction, the Sky Trail® Ropes Course, featuring 36 elements on a 12 – 36 foot high, multilevel structure. MOSI is the proud winner of the 2009 National Medal for Museums by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the nation’s highest honor for museums. For more information on MOSI, visit www.mosi.org.

Mummies of the World, the largest exhibition of real human and animal mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, includes rare mummies from across the world including South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania and ancient Egypt. Attendees to the exhibition at Discovery Place came from as far as Alaska, Hawaii, California and Washington State – even Canada and the United Kingdom.

“These mummies have taught us so much about science, history and humanity and have challenged us to think about life and technology across eons of time,” said John Mackay, president and CEO of Discovery Place, Inc. “I am thrilled that so many guests were able to experience this rare opportunity to learn the stories and science behind their amazing legacies.”

The next stop for Mummies of the World is the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa, Florida, opening April 27, 2012. For more information, please visit www.mummiesoftheworld.com.

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

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