Mummies of the World Exhibit Bowers Museum

Mummies of the World Exhibit Bowers Museum in Santa Ana Open now Thru September 5th

We had a chance to visit the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana to see their newest exhibit Mummies of the World featured now through September 5, 2016. Upon our first steps into the museum I could see the quality of the installations and exhibits waiting for us. The Mummies of the World was no exception. What exactly is a mummy? Mummification is a process where the soft tissues of dead bodies are preserved. Here is what you can expect during your visit and decide if it is appropriate for your younger children.

One of a family of three on display, Michael, Johannes and Veronica Orlovits from Vác,Hungary. Their story is an incredibly interesting one from their life and the discovery of their bodies.

Mummies of the World portrays a vast collection of real mummies and artifacts from across the globe. This captivating collection is displayed with respect and aims to educate while inspiring wonder. The exhibit includes mummies dating back as far as 4,500 years.

With a mix of old and new, this collection bridges the gap between past and present with contributions from 10 world-renowned Institutions and two private collectors.

Through modern science, engage with interactive and multi-media exhibits featuring 3-D animation. Explore how mummies are created, where they come from and who they were. Using state-of-the-art scientific methods, discover how modern science enables researchers to study mummies through innovative and non-invasive ways, offering insights into past cultures and civilizations that were never possible before.

Know before you go:

• Tickets for the Mummies Exhibit also include general admission to the museum.
• Tickets are reserved in half hour increments (ex. 10:00-10:30) to keep groups small and allowing better viewing within exhibit.
• No photography, food or drink is allowed within the exhibit.
• Audio tour aides are available upon entering the exhibit and are very informative.
• There are many interactive exhibits along with the many mummies (both human and animal)
• Appropriate age range: Really depends on your child, mine is 8 and was saddened a bit (she has high functioning ASD but was interested in seeing exhibit) *See parent guide info below.
• Parking on site is $6
• Plan to spend around 60 minuets within the Exhibit.
• Santa Ana Sundays: Bowers offers free admission to all Santa Ana residents on Sundays. Santa Ana residents need only provide proof of residency through an ID, driver's license or utility bill.

Review: I really enjoyed the exhibit as it was extremely well designed and laid out. From the lighting to the cases that displayed the mummies and artifacts down to the partitions that created privacy in between. Overall it created a very clean look while a respectful vibe was carried through the entire exhibit, nothing side show feeling about it in the slightest. 

I would recommend this exhibit for it's great variety of high quality specimens presented in a dignified manner. The exhibit is dimmed and might be a little frightening to some who are not fully understanding of the reality of death. There are a few infant and child mummies which might also be a bit upsetting to smaller children depending on their level of exposure/understanding. The audio aids were a nice addition/option. 

Egyptian sarcophagus Lid 

Hey mom and dad, this info is for you to prepare your child if you choose to bring them: 

It is strongly suggested that you discuss the exhibit with your child prior to seeing it and that you discuss the contents of the exhibit with your child before visiting. In particular, remind your child that the mummies are no longer living.

• They were once real people, but they don’t look like everyday people now because the mummification process alters the way they look in many ways. 
• You may see mummies with their mouths open. This is because of the drying process, it is not the position they were in when they died. 
• The bodies are rigid and will not move.  
• Mummification occurs after the person is dead and is an interruption of the normal process of decomposition.

What secrets do mummies hold about the past? What clues do they bring us for the future? A journey awaits as we unravel their mysteries. Visit the museums website by clicking the link below for more info, tickets and hours of operation. Happy exploring!