Mummies of the World: The Exhibition

Fascinating, intriguing, and inspiring

Mummies of the World: The Exhibition, the largest collection of real mummies and related artifacts ever assembled, is at the Saint Louis Science Center. The exhibition features 40 real human and animal mummies and 85 rare artifacts from across the globe, providing a window into the lives of people from every region of the world and offering unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations. This compelling collection, presented with reverence and dignity, includes ancient mummies from South America, Europe and ancient Egypt, dating as far back as 4,500 years.

Visitors embark on a journey into the extraordinary world of mummies and mummification. Through modern science and engaging multimedia exhibits, the exhibition reveals how the scientific studies of mummies provides a window into the lives of ancient people from every region of the world, offering unprecedented insights into past cultures and civilizations.

Members enjoy discounted tickets to special exhibitions

Become a Member

Due to city health guidelines, the Science Center is operating at a reduced capacity. Reservations are not required but are recommended. Reservations can be made at slsc.org or by calling 314.289.4424. The safety of our guests and team members is of the utmost importance to us. Learn about our advanced safety measures.

 

CLOSED



Members get a discount on tickets!

Members Online Ticket Login

Real Mummies. Real Science. Real People.

Described as “fascinating, intriguing, and inspiring,” by NBC, “absolutely extraordinary,” by NPR and “a must see,” by FOX TV, Mummies of the World: The Exhibition will instill a sense of curiosity and wonder in each and every visitor. With more than 2 million worldwide visitors to date, the traveling exhibition is one of the most popular in the world.

Embark on a journey into the extraordinary world of mummies and mummification. Through modern science, Mummies of the World: The Exhibition demonstrates how the mummification process takes place and highlights real advances in the scientific methods used to study mummies, including Computed Tomography (CT), ancient DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating, all of which allow researchers to answer questions about the lives, history and cultures of the mummies. Who were they? Where did they come from? And what can they teach us?

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.

Exhibition Pricing

This is a paid experience.

Ages

Price
Members $12.95*
Children (ages 5-12) $14.95
Adults (ages 13-59) $19.95
Seniors (ages 60+) $16.95
Children 4 and under FREE**
Military Discount Available
On-Site
Groups: Pricing available for all groups
Group Visit Information*Members get a discount!
Become a Member

**There is no charge for Children 4 and under, but a free ticket is still required.

Are the Mummies Real?

Mummies of the World: The Exhibition is the largest collection of real mummies and related artifacts that has ever been assembled. You will be seeing a fascinating collection of mummies with some incredible stories, including:

  • The Vac Mummies, a mummified family from Hungary believed to have died from tuberculosis
  • The Baron Von Holz, a German nobleman found tucked away in the family crypt of a 14th century castle wearing his best leather boots
  • The Burns Collection, a group of medical mummies used to teach anatomy in the early 19th century
  • An Egyptian priest named Nes-Hor who we have determined had arthritis and a broken left hip
  • Egyptian animal mummies including a cat, falcon, snow rabbit, lizard, weasel and fish, some of which were deliberately preserved to accompany royals in the afterlife.
  • MUMAB, the first replication of Egyptian mummification done on a body in 2,800 years

And much more….

Information for Families

Adults and children are welcome and encouraged to visit Mummies of the World: The Exhibition. Families across the country have enjoyed the exhibition, now having been visited by over 2 million people across the world. As each and every family is different and some children are at different stages of development, we recommend that you become familiar with the exhibition before deciding whether or not to share the experience with your child. The below questions have been answered to help you understand and share with children the premise of the exhibition.

THINGS TO SHARE WITH CHILDREN

What’s It All About?
The special exhibition is designed to teach us how mummies are created through both natural processes and intentional practices. The exhibition is comprised of real mummies and artifacts from around the world, including Europe, South America and Ancient Egypt, some of which date back more than 4,500 years. You will learn that mummification has occurred throughout history in various cultures and environments. You will discover how current science tools enable us to study mummies without unwrapping or otherwise damaging them. Most of the mummies on display have been recently studied with some of the latest science technology, so that we may find out new information about them. Studying mummies provides insight into ancient peoples, environments and civilizations.

Are the Mummies Real?
Mummies of the World: The Exhibition is an exhibition of real human and animal bodies that have been preserved through mummification, a process that occurs after death and is an interruption of the normal process of decomposition.

What Is A Mummy?
Mummification is a process where some of the soft tissue of bodies are preserved. Soft tissues are those parts of an organism that usually decay soon after death: skin, muscle, internal organs, hair and nails. Preserved bones and teeth without soft tissue are not mummified remains.

From where do these mummies originate?
The mummies on display were found in countries all over the world and have been taken care of in museums for more than 100 years. The museums have loaned the mummies to this exhibition so that everyone can learn from them.

Educator’s Guide

This standards-based guide is written for students as a supplement to a visit to Mummies of the World: The Exhibition.

The guide includes interpretive passages that have been crafted so that they may be read directly by students as an introduction to each unit, or by teachers in preparation for teaching each unit. The activities that accompany the interpretive text have been developed to give students hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences.

The interpretive passages and activities provide connections to National Education Standards not only for history and science, but for language arts, behavioral studies and life skills for Grades 4-8.

A composite listing of National Education Standards addressed by this study guide are included, and individual standards are listed with each activity for easy reference.

Download Educator's Guide


Visit FAQ

Do I need a reservation?

Tickets are sold for a specific date and time. You can purchase your tickets online by clicking the button on the page above, titled ’Buy Tickets’. This will ensure your time slot is held to enter the exhibition.

Otherwise you can buy tickets at the museum box office for the next available time period once you arrive. There are often sold out situations or capacity limitations and you may need to wait for your admission time if you do not plan ahead.

We encourage you to buy your tickets in advance.

How do we purchase group tickets?

All pertinent information can be found on our Group Visits page.

Learn More

How long will it take to view the exhibition?

Guests typically spend between 45 and 60 minutes in Mummies of the World: The Exhibition. Many visitors plan for more time to experience the rest of the Saint Louis Science Center.

How long can I stay in the exhibition?

You may visit as long as you like or until the exhibition closes. Please note that Mummies of the World: The Exhibition is a timed-entry exhibition and the last guests will be admitted to the exhibition 1 hour prior to closing time so please plan your visit accordingly. Also, note that no re-entry will be permitted.

Are children allowed in Mummies of the World: The Exhibition?

Yes, children are welcome in the exhibition. Please note that all children must be accompanied by an adult while visiting.

Is there an audio tour?

Yes. It can be purchased at the Mummies of the World: The Exhibition box office for $5.

Are there Mummies of the World: The Exhibition tours?

No. We don’t offer group or individual tours.

Are food and beverages allowed in the exhibition?

No. In order to protect the artifacts and to keep the museum clean, food and beverages are not allowed in Mummies of the World: The Exhibition.

Can I take photographs or film in the exhibition?

No. Photography and filming, including all pictures taken with cell phones, are not allowed in Mummies of the World: The Exhibition.

Are cell phones allowed in the exhibition?

In order to encourage a respectful atmosphere, we ask you to please turn off or silence your cell phone while in Mummies of the World: The Exhibition.

EXHIBITION PRODUCER

LOCAL MEDIA PARTNER

Visit

Mummies Programs for Groups

Groups of 10 or more can receive special discounts to Mummies of the World: The Exhibition with advance reservations. Call 314.286.4680 to speak to our Group Sales Manager, or visit our Groups & Field Trips page for more information.

EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS FOR GROUPS 10 OR MORE
  • Discounted tickets
  • No phone service fees
  • Reserve now, pay later
  • Bus and shuttle parking available
  • School and youth groups receive one(1) free adult chaperone for every five(5) children
Can’t do a coordinated group visit? No problem.
  • Have your business, organization or school district ask about setting up a promo code for discounted individual purchases.

Reserve Today!

Visit
Members get in with a discount.

Save on your Mummies of the World: The Exhibition tickets with a Saint Louis Science Center membership.

Become a Member

Exhibit Policies

One(1) adult chaperone is required for every five(5) children.
No food or beverages are allowed in the exhibition.
No pencils, pens, markers or any other kind of writing implements are allowed.
Photography is not allowed.

Accessibility

The exhibition is accessible to visitors with disabilities, as well as visitors with strollers, scooters, and walkers. Elevators and ramps serve all public areas.

More About Accessibility