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Egyptian Girl Moves Into New Digs Across from USC

Los Angeles, CA, USA /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The west coast premiere of Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt , featuring the largest collection of its kind ever assembled, opened May 23, 2012 at the California Science Center. More than 150 priceless Egyptian artifacts illuminating the life of Cleopatra VII, one of the most provocative and powerful women in history, will be on view including colossal statues, jewelry, coins, and handwritten notes from her lost palace in Alexandria.

Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt immerses visitors in the experience of two present-day searches, on both land and sea, for the elusive queen which extend from the sands of Egypt to the depths of the Bay of Aboukir near Alexandria. The artifacts weigh in at about 30 tons in total, including two 16-foot granite statues of a Ptolemaic king and queen from the 4th – 3rd centuries B.C.

“We are thrilled to host the west coast premiere of this extraordinary exhibition,” said Jeffrey Rudolph, president and CEO of the California Science Center. “Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egyptwill help our guests explore the science of archaeology and the process of recovering these artifacts which reveal new and fascinating details of Cleopatra’s life.”

The artifacts in Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt are woven into the story of her rule and life in ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic period. After Egypt succumbed to Roman forces and Cleopatra famously took her own life following the suicide of her lover Mark Antony, the Romans attempted to wipe her legacy from the pages of history. Cleopatra has remained one of history’s most intriguing enigmas, and her final resting place is one of Egypt’s great unsolved mysteries. The story of her life and time unfolds in a dramatic setting with high definition multimedia and original soundscapes, including a complimentary audio tour, provided to every guest, making the exhibition a rich, multisensory experience.

The exhibition is organized by National Geographic and Arts & Exhibitions International, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities and the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM).

Visitors to the exhibition follow the modern-day parallel stories of two expeditions led in Egypt by Dr. Zahi Hawass, a world-renowned archaeologist, and Franck Goddio, French underwater archaeologist and director of IEASM.

The exhibition also showcases artifacts from Franck Goddio’s continuing underwater search off the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, such as the two 16-foot granite statues of a Ptolemaic king and queen. His search, sponsored by the Hilti Foundation, began in 1992. Goddio’s remarkable finds bring visitors inside his search for the lost world of Cleopatra, including remnants from the grand palace where she ruled.

“The aim of our work is to reveal traces of the past and bring history back to life. We are delighted to present our underwater archaeological achievements and discoveries off the coast of Egypt to the American public,” said Franck Goddio.

“Cleopatra is one of the most fascinating figures of ancient Egypt,” said Terry Garcia, National Geographic’s executive vice president for Mission Programs. “This exhibition tells her remarkable story through rare artifacts excavated from two ongoing archaeological projects, bringing ancient Egypt’s famous last pharaoh back to life through modern-day exploration.”

Cleopatra, the last great pharaoh before Egypt succumbed to Roman opposition, lived from 69 – 30 B.C., with a rule that was marked with political intrigue and challenges to her throne. She captivated two of the most powerful men of her day, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, as she attempted to restore Egypt to its former superpower status.

“Cleopatra’s story of love, power, glamour and tragedy has intrigued us for centuries and has fueled archeologists to continue searching for greater understanding,” said John Norman, president of Arts and Exhibitions International. “Visitors to this new exhibition will gain insight into her life by discovering objects from Cleopatra’s world, even as efforts continue today to piece together new insights into the life of one of history’s most remarkable leaders.”

To enhance the guest experience during the run of Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt , the Science Center IMAX Theater will be featuring Mysteries of Egypt. The National Geographic film transports audiences to a distant time and place with spectacular imagery and a compelling story. Legendary screen actor Omar Shariff portrays a grandfather who enchants his granddaughter, played byKate Maberly, with tales of an ancient people. Re-enactments are used to illustrate events such as building the pyramids, the reign of the pharaohs, and the discovery of Tut’s tomb. Beginning May 23,Mysteries of Egypt will show daily at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., with additional shows Saturday & Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Combo tickets for the exhibition and Mysteries of Egypt or any IMAX film are available.

About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

About Arts & Exhibitions International (AEI)
Founded in 2003 by President John Norman and international vice president Andres Numhauser, AEI produced the award-winning exhibition “Diana: A Celebration” in association with the Althorp Estate in theUnited Kingdom; two touring exhibitions dedicated to the treasures of King Tutankhamun; “Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship”; and “America IAM: The African American Imprint” in partnership with Tavis Smiley. Norman and Numhauser have 40 years combined experience in the entertainment and exhibition business, working over the years on such projects as “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit” and “Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes.” The company has relationships with the most important museums in the world and has presented traveling exhibitions on five continents. AEI is part of AEG Exhibitions, an affiliate division of AEG LIVE. AEG LIVE is the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world. For more information, visit www.artsandexhibitions.com.

About the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM)
Founded in 1987 as a French non-profit organization by President Franck Goddio for the location, exploration, excavation and restoration of sunken sites. The Institute calls upon scientists and specialists of different scientific field to support its research missions, study and publish the findings. Furthermore it sets up exhibitions allowing the general public to get access to its discoveries. For more information, visit:www.franckgoddio.org.

About the California Science Center
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe-inspiring films. Its mission is as follows: “We aspire to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, because we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people’s lives.” www.californiasciencecenter.org

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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