King Tut Exhibition Comes to Discovery Times Square Exposition this April

"Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" will open in New York City on April 23, 2010, marking the first time a collection of treasures from the young pharaoh's tomb has visited the city since the groundbreaking 1979 exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The National Geographic exhibition contains more than twice the number of artifacts shown previously, with more than 130 objects of exceptional quality,rarity, and beauty that provide insight into the daily life and royal burial practices of the 18th Dynasty. Fifty of the objects are from Tutankhamun's tomb, only a handful of which were part of the 1979 exhibition, and an additional 80 objects come from the tombs of his ancestors.

The exhibition will be presented at the Discovery Times Square Exposition through Jan. 2, 2011. This will be the exhibition's final stop on its U.S. tour. "More than 5,000 beautifully preserved artifacts were found in Tutankhamun's tomb, and the 50 selected for this exhibition-along with more than 80 from other royal tombs-are among the most breathtaking objects of ancient Egypt.

Tutankhamun's remarkable treasures, from cosmetic containers and other everyday objects to fine works of art, illustrate what life was like for Tutankhamun and the people of Egypt," said exhibition curator David P. Silverman, Eckley B. Coxe, Jr. professor of Egyptology and curator-in-charge of the Egyptian Section at the Universityof Pennsylvania Museum. "In addition to these stunning relics, our partnership with National Geographic allows us to explore in depth and put into context the mystery of Tutankhamun's death using the marvels of modern CT scanning technology."

A portion of the proceeds from this exhibition are helping to fund antiquities and conservations efforts in Egypt, including a new Grand Museum in Cairo that will provide a world-class home for the country's treasured artifacts. The exhibition is organized by National Geographic, Arts and Exhibitions International and AEG Exhibitions, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities. Northern Trust is a proud cultural partner of the exhibition, and American Airlines is the official airline. "King Tut first traveled the world in the 1970s and 80s, bringing with him the thrill of discovery,the lure of gold and ‘wonderful things,' and the mystery of the curse, capturing the hearts of everyone he met," said Zahi Hawass, secretary general of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. "Now the golden boy is back, and is coming to New York City. This time, he bringswith him newly-revealed information about his life, his family, and his death. The legend of this beloved pharaoh will never end-it will continue, in the words of the ancient Egyptians, ‘forever and for eternity.'"

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

"Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" provides insight into the life of Tutankhamun and other royals of the 18th Dynasty (1555 B.C.-1305 B.C.). All of the treasures inthe exhibition are between 3,300 and 3,500 years old. Tutankhamun was one of the last kings of Egypt's 18th Dynasty and ruled during a crucial, turmoil-filled period of Egyptian history. The boy king died under mysterious circumstances around age 18 or 19, in the ninth year of his reign (1323 B.C.).

"Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" offers glimpses of that evolving period. The exhibition will include 50 of Tutankhamun's burial objects, including his royal diadem-the gold crown discovered encircling the head of his mummified body that he likely wore as king-andone of the gold and precious stone inlaid canopic coffinettes that contained his mummified internal organs. More than 80 additional objects from tombs of 18th Dynasty royals, as well as several non-royal individuals, will also be exhibited. These stone, faience, and wooden pieces from burial sites before Tutankhamun's reign will give visitors a sense of what the lost burials of other royalty andcommoners may have been like.

EXHIBITION ORGANIZERS AND PARTNERS

National Geographic has provided context and content to the exhibition, including scientific data and analysis resulting from CT scans conducted on the mummy of Tutankhamun. This researchhas helped shape the latest theories on how King Tut lived and died. National Geographic alsocreated extensive programming across all of its platforms in support of the exhibition, including aNational Geographic Channel special called "King Tut's Final Secrets," now available on DVD. The official exhibition catalog authored by Zahi Hawass is published by National Geographic Books. "Egypt's ancient treasures are among the world's greatest cultural legacies, and we're delighted that we are able to bring this exhibition to New York so that a new generation will have an opportunity to experience some of the most important artifacts from Tutankhamun's tomb andother ancient Egyptian sites," said Terry Garcia, National Geographic's executive vice president for Mission Programs. "The previous King Tut tour in the 1970s was a major cultural phenomenon and, to some extent,coined the term ‘blockbuster,'" said John Norman, president of Arts and Exhibitions International. "Sharing King Tut's legacy with a new generation of New York residents andvisitors will be a fitting finale to a tour that has shown that fascination for King Tut endures around the world." "Northern Trust is proud to share this fascinating cultural and educational experience with theNew York community as well as visitors from around the world," said Rick Waddell, president and chief executive officer, Northern Trust Corporation. "Since our founding, Northern Trust has supported numerous local charities and events that increase social interaction and a sense of community and integrate the arts into education and other outreach activities. This exhibition provides a wonderful opportunity for all viewers to enjoy a truly unique exploration into the history of Tutankhamun." "American Airlines is thrilled to have a role in bringing an exhibit of this magnitude to the peopleof New York," said Dan Garton, executive vice president of marketing for American Airlines."It is exciting to know that American Airlines is helping to make it possible for this remarkable exhibit to be seen by thousands of visitors."

TICKETS AND INFORMATION

More information is available at www.kingtutnyc.com, where tickets can be reserved now before going on sale this winter. Group tickets for 15 or more visitors are available now at: 1-888-9-TUT-NYC (1-888-988-8692).

ABOUT THE VENUE

Discovery Times Square Exposition, New York's first large-scale exhibition center, opened itsdoors in June 2009 to house the world's most extraordinary exhibitions in an exciting and vibrant space for entertainment, learning and adventure. Located at 226 West 44th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenues) in the crossroads of the world, Discovery Times Square Expositionis produced and managed by Running Subway Productions