Union Station Announced as Prestigious Host of the Americas’ Premiere
Stonehenge: Ancient Mysteries and Modern Discoveries
Featuring 300 original artifacts across six mystery-revealing galleries
Opening May 25, 2019 in the Bank of America Gallery
Kansas City, MO – March 26, 2019 – Announced today, Union Station has been chosen as the Americas’ premiere host of Stonehenge: Ancient Mysteries and Modern Discoveries. Opening May 25, 2019, the 15,000 sq. ft. exhibition will premiere in the expansive Bank of America Gallery at Union Station for a limited time.
Described as inspiring, magical and sacred, Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England and one of the most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom. It consists of several rings of standing stones, the largest around 23 feet (7.0 m) high, nine feet (2.75 m) wide and weighing over 50,000 lbs (25 tons) each. Scientific analysis has revealed the stones that form the inner ring were transported an incredible distance from the Preseli Mountains in Wales, over 150 miles away, with no modern means of transportation.
“Stonehenge is one of the world’s most storied and mysterious monuments,” George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station, said. “Who built it? How did they build it? When? And why? Some consider it a place of mysterious earth energies and other mystical forces. Others regard it solely as an impressive testament to the skills of a long-ago civilization. Still, others want to attribute it to ancient aliens. This world-class exhibition allows guests to explore and experience all of those questions and encounter the very latest that science is revealing. Union Station – once again – has been awarded the prestigious premiere venue for this international tour, never before seen in North or South America. What a huge win for all of Kansas City and the region! If you were fascinated by the story and splendor of King Tut and moved by the human drama of Pompeii, you will be drawn into the mystery and wonder that is Stonehenge.”
Stonehenge: Ancient Mysteries and Modern Discoveries presents over 300 ancient, original artifacts (150 of which have never traveled outside of Europe) and the latest cutting-edge scientific research to answer questions about this iconic, mysterious monument. The exhibition spans over 12,000 years of Stonehenge history. The 15,000 sq. ft. exhibition features six inner exhibit halls and presents not only priceless artifacts, but 23 masterfully produced videos and multiple hands-on interactives. Guests will explore the ancient landscape, how the people prior to and during Stonehenge lived, constructed and used the monument, and how modern science continues to refine their story. Stonehenge is an iconic symbol and one of the best known prehistoric monuments and celebrated wonders of the world. Designated a “World Heritage Site” in 1986, over 1.5 million people annually visit the remote site in Wiltshire, England.
“Stonehenge is known the world over as a place of ancient mystery,” George Guastello, president and CEO of Union Station, said. “But the understanding largely stops there for most. What is truly remarkable is the depth of knowledge we now have regarding what the silent and massive stones tell us. With the use of cutting edge technology, we now have answers to questions that have mystified for literally thousands of years. Visitors will be captivated as they experience this fantastic journey in a personal and hands-on way.”
Union Station has become widely honored for bringing these types of content-rich experiences to Kansas City.
“We’re fortunate to be able to bring this world-class exhibition to Kansas City, allowing visitors to experience one of the world’s iconic monuments in our own community without having to travel afar,” Ramón Murguía, Union Station Board Chairman, said. “This is what Union Station has become known and honored for. It’s a thrill to be part of this exciting and limited-time premiere.”
Archaeologists believe Stonehenge in its most modern form was constructed from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. Scholars and visitors alike have puzzled over this unique prehistoric monument for centuries, wondering if perhaps it was the work of prehistoric people, giants, gods, wizards and even the devil himself. The truth is about to be revealed.
“This impressive exhibition is the result of almost 20 years of painstaking and unprecedented excavation and analysis at Stonehenge and at the source of the mysterious bluestones in Wales,” Jerry Baber, Union Station executive vice president and COO, said. “Stonehenge will only be at Union Station for a short four months, until September 29, 2019. We strongly encourage guests to make this journey of history, mystery and science a priority part of their summer plans. For a limited time only, guests can purchase a family four pack for $55 or two tickets for $30, offering a savings of over 30% from our normal VIP ticket price. This special offer allows guests to come any day of their choosing during the exhibition.”
The exhibition, currently on display at The Gallo Roman Museum in Tongeren, Belgium, has been curated by Mike Parker Pearson, professor of British Later Prehistory at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London. He is also a Fellow of the British Academy and has published 22 books and over 200 academic articles. Since the 1970s, he has worked on archaeological sites in Britain, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Syria, the United States, Madagascar, Easter Island and others around the world. He has been directing research on Stonehenge since 2003 and was voted the UK’s Archaeologist of the Year in 2010. Union Station is excited to welcome Pearson to the opening of the exhibition.
Tickets are now on sale with complete details at unionstation.org/Stonehenge. Press kit images available for download. Family four packs are available for $55, and two tickets for $30 thru May 17.
Pricing*
Member Price: $12.95
General Admission Adult: $17.95
General Admission Child: $14.95
VIP Voucher: $21 (Adds flexibility to visit exhibition any time and reduces box office wait)
Groups: Adult $10 Child $9 (Available for groups of 10 or more)
*An additional $1.25 Preservation Fee is added to the prices shown above and to every touring exhibition ticket to help preserve our historic building.
Hours of Operation
Monday thru Thursday: 10am – 6pm
Friday and Saturday: 10am – 7pm
Sunday: 10am – 5pm
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About Union Station Kansas City
Union Station Kansas City — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization — is a 104-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. Now 20 years later, Science City has earned the distinction of Kansas City’s “Favorite Attraction” and “Favorite Family-Friendly Attraction”, while Union Station as a whole is recognized as KC’s “Favorite Historic Attraction” and “Best of KC”. The organization — dedicated to preserving its historic monument and its stories, inspiring lifelong learning and creating lasting memories for our community — is home to Kansas City’s internationally-awarded Science City – Powered by Burns & McDonnell; the new Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre; the popular Model Railroad Experience; 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 annually hosts hundreds of community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit WWW.UNIONSTATION.ORG for details. Also, follow us on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, and YOUTUBE.