Mummies of the World

The exhibition at Frost Science reveals the true lives of ancient people from all over the world, including Europe, South America, and Ancient Egypt. The exhibition will be on view through September 4, 2023.

Raul Guerrero
METRO NEWS +
4 min readMay 19, 2023

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Photo, courtesy of Frost Science.

The largest touring collection of mummified remains and related artifacts ever assembled is on view at Frost Science. Mummies of the World features the mummified remains of 40 real humans and animals and 80 rare artifacts from across the globe.

The exhibition provides unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations. This compelling collection, presented with reverence and dignity, will enthrall with dramatic displays of the mummies and their personal stories. State-of-the-art multimedia stations will take you on a 4,500-year journey to explore the histories and origins of the mummified remains, as well as how they were created.

Photo, courtesy of Frost Science.

“This exhibition has proven to be one of the most popular exhibitions traveling the world. It has an engaging way of providing insight into the lives and cultures of these ancient people, which is important because these were real individuals with unique stories,” says Dr. Cassie Freund, director of science communication at Frost Science.

“We like to say that inside every mummy is a story waiting to be told.” And Dr. Freund adds: “Mummies of the World tells thousands of years of captivating stories. Through modern science and technology, their secrets are now revealed.”

The Collection

Mummies of the World: The Exhibition demonstrates how mummification can take place through both natural and intentional practices. Included in the collection are:

● MUMAB, the first authentic replication of the Egyptian mummification process done on a decedent body in 2,800 years.

● Baron von Holz, a German nobleman found tucked away in the family crypt of a 14th century castle wearing his best leather boots.

● The Orlovits Family, a mummified family discovered in a long-forgotten crypt of a small church in Vác, Hungary in 1994.

● Shrunken heads from South America, typically associated with the Jivaro culture of Ecuador, where members of the group have traditionally shrunk the heads of enemies captured in battle.

● Egyptian animal mummies including a cat, falcon, snow rabbit, lizard, weasel and fish, some of which were deliberately preserved to accompany royals for eternity.

Shrunken heads from South America — the size of a fist. Photo, Aurea Veras.

The Science

The exhibition also highlights the scientific methods used to study mummified remains, including Computed Tomography (CT), DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating, all of which allow researchers to learn about the lives, histories and cultures of these ancient people and animals.

Mummies of the World: The Exhibition is presented by NEON and World Heritage Exhibitions, LLC

Please note: This exhibition contains potentially sensitive content, including the mummified remains of people who lived in the past. Frost Science understands and acknowledges there are a variety of cultural and religious perspectives on the display of deceased individuals. We display this special exhibition for educational purposes. Families with younger children who may not have previously experienced an exhibition like this one may wish to focus on its educational aspects. Frost Science asks that all guests who choose to view this exhibition act respectfully and with a sense of dignity. To access the Frost Science family guide, please click here.

About Frost Science

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Photo, by Niels Johansen.

Located in Downtown Miami’s Maurice A. Ferré Park, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is a leading science museum dedicated to sharing the power of science, sparking wonder and investigation, and fueling innovation for the future. Sitting on four acres, the 250,000-square-foot museum is divided into four distinct buildings: the Frost Planetarium, Aquarium, and the North and West Wings. At Frost Science, visitors can explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in an experiential setting with interactive exhibitions and unique shows. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers. Learn more at frostscience.org.

TICKETS

For more information visit: https://www.frostscience.org/exhibition/mummies-of-the-world/

Admission to Mummies of the World: The Exhibition is included with all Museum admission tickets.

Frost Museum Members Preview. Photo, Aurea Veras.

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Raul Guerrero
METRO NEWS +

I write about cities, culture, and history. Readers and critics characterize my books as informed, eccentric, and crazy-funny.