Explore ancient cultures and study renowned leaders at educational shows
GENGHIS KHAN: THE EXHIBITION
The Tech Museum, San Jose, Calif.
Through Oct. 24, 2010
Irving Arts Center, Texas
June 1-Sept. 30, 2011
genghiskhanexhibits.com
Visitors discover the technological breakthroughs of one of the world’s greatest conquerors. Researches say Kahn invented printed money, the pony express and pants among other things. For the first time outside of Mongolia, more than 200 13th-century artifacts from the Mongol Empire are on display. Groups of 10 or more can book in advance for discounted rates.
MUMMIES OF THE WORLD
California Science Center, Los Angeles
Through Nov. 28, 2010
Milwaukee Public Museum, Wisconsin
Dec. 17-May 30, 2011
mummiesoftheworld.com
The largest collection of mummies ever assembled is organized in part by American Exhibitions, the group behind Body Worlds. The wildly popular show features 150 mummies (both human and animal) and related artifacts. On display is a 6,420-year-old child mummy from Peru, several mummified family members found in a church crypt in Hungary and two German royals unearthed from a castle crypt. Groups of 15 or more receive discount tickets.
CLEOPATRA: THE SEARCH FOR THE LAST QUEEN
The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Pa.
Through Jan. 2, 2011
Additional cities to be announced
fi.edu/cleopatra
Archaeologists trace the legacy of the elusive queen in the National Geographic exhibition that made its world premiere in the City of Brotherly Love. Visitors are transported to the ancient city of Alexandria, Greece, where Cleopatra’s palace once stood, but is now lost beneath the sea. Visitors see never-before-seen artifacts and follow the ongoing search for the beautiful queen’s tomb. Groups of 15 or more receive discount tickets and perks such as an IMAX movie or a lecture with an Egyptologist.
THE NINA AND PINTA
Florence, Ala., Huntsville, Ala., Knoxville, Tenn., Lenoir City, Tenn., Chattanooga, Tenn.,
Guntersville, Ala., Columbus, Ga.,
Demopolis, Ala., Biloxi, Miss.
Various dates, Sept. 24-Jan.3, 2011
thenina.com
Life-size, historically accurate recreations of Christopher Columbus’ ships, the Niña and the Pinta, will dock for 10 days at a time at multiple Southeastern U.S. ports for guests to explore. The ships serve as “sailing museums” to educate the public on the caravel, a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and other explorers. Guided tours are offered for groups of 15 or more. The Pinta is available for private parties.
— Laura Smith
