INDIANAPOLIS, June 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Experience the thrill and adventure of archaeology at The Children''s Museum of Indianapolis'' newest permanent exhibit, National Geographic Treasures of the Earth. The largest children''s museum in the world is much more than a tourist attraction during summer vacations; it provides the perfect opportunity to share experiences that have the power to transform lives year-round.
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The new $4.3 million, 7,400 square-foot exhibit features three of the most fascinating archaeological discoveries in the world. The exhibit opens June 11, 2011. Visitors will explore the science of archaeology, the history and arts of ancient Egypt and China and the seafaring culture of what historians call "The Golden Age of Piracy" - all in a very fun, hands-on way!
"Our commitment to ''extraordinary, always'' means we continue to go to great lengths to develop the most authentic and extraordinary experiences possible utilizing strategic global partnerships that have been years in the making," said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO, The Children''s Museum of Indianapolis. "We believe our passion for connecting children and families with real experiences, real artifacts, and real experts contributes to our stature as the world''s biggest and best children''s museum," he said.
With assistance from National Geographic Society experts, teams of museum staff members explored the tomb of ancient Egyptian pharaoh Seti I with famed Egyptologist Dr. Zahi Hawass. It is the longest, deepest and most ornate in the famed Valley of the Kings. "One of the best moments in the lifetime of an archaeologist is to reveal the answer to a mystery," said Zahi Hawass, famous Egyptian archaeologist. "I am proud to have revealed the mystery of the tunnel within the tomb of Seti I. Excavating, crawling, discovering hieroglyphics and finally coming to the end of the tunnel of Seti I is an adventure that cannot be forgotten and this exhibit provides a way that children can experience the same thrill."
In the museum''s new Archaeology Lab, visitors use real science to examine a CT scan of Seti I''s mummy (the only replica of Seti I''s mummy). A sound and light show helps families work together to interpret the tomb''s hieroglyphs, see real artifacts from the time of Seti I, and reassemble a recreation of the pharaoh''s broken sarcophagus lid. One of several authentic artifacts on display is Seti I''s cup made of faience. The cup was probably used as a votive offering in one of Seti I temples.
Museum staff worked with experts in China to find the best way to tell the story of Zhao Zheng, who became the ruler of the Kingdom of Qin in 237 BC and is known as the First Emperor of China. Visitors to the new exhibit will be flanked by two rows of warrior replicas (generals, archers and infantrymen - each with a unique face). Children and families experience the thrill of discovery as they dig for pieces of the first emperor''s past in a recreated version of one of the most celebrated finds of the 20th century. Other activities encourage the reconstruction of a warrior from re-created pieces and the virtual re-painting of warriors based on scientific clues.
The largest children''s museum in the world joins forces with an incredible explorer who very well could be on the verge of discovering some of the most historic ships in history. The Dominican Republic portion of the exhibit focuses on William Kidd, captain of a ship that was legally contracted by the British government to attack pirates and commandeer enemy trade ships during wartime. In 1696, Kidd captured the Cara Merchant. The event was his undoing and he was hanged for being a pirate in what became one of the greatest scandals of his age. In this part of the exhibit, visitors will see the only cannon brought to the surface from the only pirate shipwreck ever discovered in the Caribbean. "Kids will be like sponges wanting to hear the history - wanting to hear about the archaeology - wanting to know more about the ships and the corals all because of this pirate," said Beeker. "But also as good teachers, we''re going to educate entire families about what the world was like in the 17th century and what that tells us about life today."
"Visitors to the exhibition will feel as if they''ve embarked on an international adventure as they learn about the meticulous aspects of an archaeologist''s work and take an active role in discovering and investigating these sites," said Susan Norton, director of the National Geographic Museum. "Since our founding in 1888, National Geographic has shared amazing stories and incredible discoveries with each new generation. The ''Treasures of the Earth'' exhibition at The Children''s Museum is another way for us to do just that."
The Children''s Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary family learning experiences that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. Visitors can explore the physical and natural sciences, history, world cultures, the arts, see how dinosaurs lived 65 million years ago in Dinosphere: Now You''re in Their World®, experience Dale Chihuly''s Fireworks of Glass and examine children''s impact in shaping history in The Power of Children: Making a Difference. For more information about The Children''s Museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org.
SOURCE The Children''s Museum of Indianapolis