SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM TREATS AREA VIPS TO A SNEAK PEEK OF AFTERLIFE
Newest traveling exhibit opens with a warm welcome from Tourism Council, Commissioner and more
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) On Friday, more than 100 special guests showed up for a sneak peek of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium’s newest traveling blockbuster exhibit, Afterlife: Tombs & Treasures of Ancient Egypt. Among the excited crowd were several school groups from Renaissance Charter School and Belle Glade Elementary, who were also treated to the festivities and privilege of seeing the exhibit before its opening to the public.
“You’re going to see mummies, mummies and more mummies,” said Lew Crampton, Science Center CEO, while addressing the excited crowd. “One of our mummies is at St. Mary’s Medical Center right now awaiting a special CT Scan – because that is what we are all about, solving scientific mysteries!” Speaking more specifically to the children in attendance, Crampton continued, “You should pay attention to science, technology, engineering and math – they are fun subjects and the future of jobs in our community.”
In true Science Center style, the highly anticipated blockbuster exhibition has interactive components, making it feel like guests have taken a trip directly to Egypt. Most notably, visitors can step into the centerpiece of the exhibition, a full- size reconstruction of the burial chamber of the great Pharaoh Thutmose III.
On tour for more than 10 years and seen by more than 4.5 million people worldwide, Afterlife is coming from a wildly-popular tour in Asia where science seekers lined up for more than six hours for a glimpse at the largest current touring exhibition of authentic Egyptian material. Winning the International Award at the UK Museum and Heritage Awards ceremony in 2012, the exhibit features more than 200 exquisite and original artifacts, all of which are on display in North America for the first time ever. Afterlife is on display through Saturday, April 18, 2015.
“We are so happy that this is another great learning opportunity for children in our community,” said Glenn Jergensen, executive director of the Tourism Development Council. “We are also equally excited about the tourism opportunities. The Science Center continues to be a leading force in our cultural community and we are pleased to continue supporting its efforts.”
Palm Beach County Commissioner, Hal Valeche, shared similar praise and sentiments for both organizations, recognizing their partnership and continued commitment to Palm Beach County as a tourism destination.
Additional VIP attendees included: Veronica Arietta, Daniel Boudet, Bebe Novick-Brodigan, Lisa and Nate Cousineau, Victoria Van Dam, Astrid Dawson, Kerry Jamieson, Eric M. Kelly, Rick Netzel and Dee Wade, representing sponsors and partners of the exhibition, including the Cultural Council, Palm Beach Illustrated magazine and Quantum Foundation.
The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, recently named the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches’ nonprofit of the year, features more than 50 hands-on educational exhibits, an 8,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall and an interactive Everglades exhibit. All exhibits will be on display during Afterlife’s special showing.
Admission to Afterlife: Tombs & Treasures of Ancient Egypt and the Science Center’s permanent exhibits will be $19.95 for adults, $15.95 for children aged 3 to 12, $17.95 for seniors aged 62 and older, and children under 3 are free. Admission for Science Center members is $8. Planetarium shows and miniature golf are not included in general admission pricing. Guests will also be able to select a Science Center-only pass, granting access to the Center’s general offerings for a reduced admission price.
The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach and is open Monday – Friday from 9am-5pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm. For more information, call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @SFScienceCenter.