American Museum of Natural History to Open New 'Mummies' Exhibit

By Bethany Braun-Silva January 31, 2017

The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) will debut its new Mummies exhibit this March.

In the exhibit 19 "rarely seen" mummies will be showcased in one of the largest collections housed in North America. Visitors will get an up-close look at the mummification process and how cultures from all over the world made preparations for their dead.

"From ancient Egypt to pre-Columbian Peru, the exhibition will explore the intersection between societies, their environment, and the preparations they made for their dead," according to an AMNH press release.

Through the use of modern technology, scientists have been able to learn many things about the people from centuries ago. High-resolution CT scans and forensically reconstructed sculptures will allow visitors to get a glimpse of these ancient people, as well as learn how contemporary scientists have discovered information about their ages, practices, and even their causes of death.

The exhibit will include interactive touch tables, which will allow visitors to virtually “unravel” the mummies and get a closer look inside. Attendees will also be able to learn about the stories of the people or animals who lie within the mummies.

The exhibition will showcase the latest isotopic and DNA testing being performed on mummies. Visitors will learn how these techniques are helping scientists discover important clues about long-vanished practices.

Mummies was developed by The Field Museum, Chicago. The exhibition opens to the public on Monday, March 20, 2017, and will be on view through Jan. 7, 2018.

Admission to the American Museum of Natural History and the exhibition is $27 for adults, $16 for children, and $22 for seniors and students. For tickets, call 212-769-5200 or visit amnh.org.

Main image: Nineteen "rarely seen" mummies will be showcased in one of the largest collections housed in North America.
Courtesy AMNH

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