call CAl trash-can audio wheelchair right-chevron headphones tickets left-large-arrow facebook space cart pin video-resource-button sensitive-content atm youtube left-chevron plus wifi search eye instagram group backward right-large-arrow chevron-up wheelchair-3 traffic-sign baby-stroller mouse chevron-down twitter clock money cheers magnifying-glass calendar blog pdf-file-icon pin-map pause forward mother right-arrow left-arrow minus cart-with-number silverware Lifted Logic Web Design in Kansas City clock location phone phone-alt play chevron-down medium-chevron-down chevron-down-thin chevron-left chevron-right chevron-up facebook checkbox checkbox-checked radio radio-selected instagram google plus pinterest twitter youtube send linkedin close down-arrow rewind fast-forward thin-plus information elevator restrooms transportation up-arrow pencil

Press Releases

MUMMIES OF THE WORLD: THE EXHIBITION Makes Grand Arrival at Union Station With Priceless Artifacts Under Heavy Security

Kansas City Museum announces inclusion of rare and ancient
“Mummy Bundles” from Museum Collection

Kansas City (June 9, 2017) – Union Station today officially welcomed the highly anticipated arrival of Mummies of the World: The Exhibition.  Station officials, representatives and supporters including Ronnie Burt, Chief Executive Officer of Visit KC, Anna Marie Tutera, Executive Director, Kansas City Museum and Tom Gorenc, Kansas City Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund were on-hand to officially receive the collection of more than 150 artifacts and real human and animal mummies from across the globe.

To ensure the safe journey of these priceless mummies and artifacts, the nationally recognized traveling exhibit was escorted to Union Station by the Kansas City Missouri Police Department as well as a private security team. Upon arrival, the collection’s rights were delivered to George Guastello, president and CEO, Union Station, through a ceremonial transfer. During a press conference, the impact of Mummies of the World: The Exhibition was discussed with emphasis on preserving cultures for future generations to study and marvel.

“Inside every mummy is a story waiting to be told,” George Guastello, president and CEO, Union Station, said.  “Through modern science and technology, their secrets will be revealed. Mummies of the World tells the story of the mummies and mummification through state-of-the-art multimedia, hands-on interactive stations and cutting-edge 3-D animation taking visitors on a 4,500-year journey to explore the mummies’ history and origins as well as how they were created, both through natural and intentional practices.  Kansas City and Union Station are fortunate, once again, to land such an important and acclaimed exhibition.” 

Additional emphasis was put on the importance of touring exhibitions – like Mummies of the World – to regional tourism and economic development.

“Kansas City is the Midwest premiere for Mummies of the World,” Ronnie Burt, president and CEO, Visit KC, said.  “And that’s a very good thing for our entire community.  We are on the radar nationally as a top-tier tourism and convention market and it’s exactly these kinds of fascinating exhibits that not only deliver significant economic benefit to Kansas City, but help attract a culture and entertainment-hungry audience from the entire region.  Our partnership with Union Station really delivers when it comes to making Kansas City a world-class destination.”

A surprise announcement was also made regarding two rare Kansas City Museum artifacts that will be added to the exhibition experience at Union Station.

“It’s an honor to be part of presenting Mummies of the World and share some of our history’s richest and most fascinating curiosities to Kansas City,” Anna Marie Tutera, Executive Director, Kansas City Museum, said. “From our collection, we’ll be adding priceless artifacts in the form of two Mummy Bundles.  These mummies originated in ancient Peru and were donated to the Kansas City Museum in 1939, before our first physical location was even open.  While our historic museum is closed and prepared for significant renovations, this is a way to bring priceless and fascinating elements of the collection to the public to nurture curiosity, spark imaginations and amplify messages of exploration and discovery.” 

Immediately following the morning event, Denise Morrison, Director of Collections & Curatorial Services, Kansas City Museum previewed one of the Mummy Bundles – not displayed in public for many decades — for members of the press and invited guests.  “These mummies still hold mysteries and we hope to have them revealed during their time as part of this fascinating exhibition,” Morrison, said.  “As it goes, every mummy has a story to tell.  And who doesn’t love a great story, filled with unexpected twists, turns and science-based revelations.” 

Now as the mummies have begun unloading, curators and exhibition staff will work day and night to complete the installation of the display. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through one of the most interesting and rare mummy collections in existence. Each gallery holds its own unique stories, guiding visitors through a 4,500-year discovery of mummification from across the globe. Guests will be able to observe and study the natural and intentional practices of mummification beginning June 17th in the Bank of America Gallery inside Union Station.

Tickets are now on sale online and in person at the Union Station Ticket Office.  VIP/Anytime tickets are priced at $24.95 and include an audio guide to enhance the overall experience.  General Admission ticket prices are $19.95 for adults, $15.95 for children 3-12.  Member pricing is $12.95.  School Group pricing is $10.00.  All other Groups of 15 or more are priced at $12.95.  (Taxes and Fees not included) 

For more information about Group visits or how to become a Union Station Member, please call 816-460-2020 or visit UnionStation.org.

For Images, Press Kits and B-Roll please visit unionstation.org/mummies

###

ABOUT MUMMIES OF THE WORLD: THE EXHIBITION

Mummies of the World — having been viewed by over 1.7 million visitors across the United States — reveals how the scientific study of mummies provides a window into the lives of ancient people, offering unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations and showcases galleries that explore the study of mummies linked to discoveries in modern medicine.

Described as “fascinating, intriguing, and inspiring,” by NBC, “absolutely extraordinary,” by NPR and “a must see,” by FOX TV, Mummies of the World instills a sense of curiosity and wonder in each and every visitor. Mummies of the World: The Exhibition is one of the most popular museum exhibitions traveling North America.

The special exhibition provides a window into the lives of ancient people from every region of the world including Europe, South America and Ancient Egypt – offering unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations.

###

Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization — is a 103-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. The organization — dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history — is home to Kansas City’s internationally-awarded Science City; the new Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre; the popular Model Railroad Experience; H&R Block City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility regularly hosts community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit www.unionstation.org for details. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Exhibitions International (EI)—previously Arts and Exhibitions International, the world’s preeminent museum exhibition producer, was founded in 2003 by John Norman. Under Norman’s direction, the company was entrusted with the most valuable treasures on earth and at sea, including artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun (King Tut), relics from Cleopatra’s Royal Palace, Princess Diana’s Royal Wedding Gown, and the only authenticated pirate treasure in the world. These riches are the heart and soul of breathtaking museum experiences created by EI. Each unforgettable experience has mesmerized audiences at the finest art, science, and history museums in the world. More than 30 million people have attended Exhibitions International’s exhibitions since its inception in 2003. 

Kansas City Museum – Located at 3218 Gladstone Boulevard in the Historic Northeast community of Kansas City, Missouri, the Kansas City Museum is comprised of five original buildings, including the mansion Corinthian Hall, which was built in 1910 by Robert Alexander Long. The estate became a public museum in 1940. It is owned by the City of Kansas City, Missouri and operated and managed by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Parks and Recreation Department. The Collection contains more than 100,000 artifacts and several thousand more archival materials that interpret Kansas City’s local and regional history. The Kansas City Museum Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to develop initiatives, convene leaders, and mobilize resources through inclusive partnerships to support the mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of the Kansas City Museum.

Download Press Release

Union Station Contact: Michael Tritt  – C: 913.219.6890    [email protected]

Media Contact: Nancy Besa –  C: 816.674.4775     [email protected]