Indiana Jones™ and the Adventure of Archaeology, a redefined modern exhibition experience, is set to premiere in the United States at Discovery Science Center (DSC) in Santa Ana, California on October 12, 2012. This innovative exhibition, made possible by Lucasfilm Ltd., presented by the National Geographic Society and produced by Montreal’s X3 Productions, features an extensive collection of Indiana Jones film materials from the Lucasfilm Archives, along with photos and videos from the National Geographic Society and artifacts from the Penn Museum.
“I am absolutely thrilled that we are hosting the U.S. premiere of Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology,” says Joe Adams, President of Discovery Science Center. “For three decades, the Indiana Jones films have entertained generations of audiences and have become a part of our Americana. This exhibition is a perfect fit for the Science Center, as it merges the science of archaeology and excitement of the films, into an engaging and dynamic learning experience for visitors of all ages.”
Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology transforms the museum experience into a multimedia and interactive adventure. Upon entering the exhibit, visitors will be immersed in the world of Indiana Jones, in an exhibit environment created with state-of-the-art technology and spanning over 10,000 square feet. Equipped with a personal video companion, visitors will embark on a quest to uncover the true origins of archaeological mysteries. An original audio greeting recorded by Harrison Ford – the world-renowned actor who brought Indy to life – welcomes visitors and invites them to begin their journey into the science of field archaeology. Charged with comprehensive educational content, photos and videos, the interactive hand-held device guides visitors on the “Indy Trail” and through the various archaeological zones. Visitors also have the ability to create their own adventure with an interactive quest.
Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology not only features a vast and exclusive collection of Indy props, models, concept art and costumes, it also presents a wealth of historical and cultural facts and objects. The internationally renowned University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, otherwise known as the Penn Museum, is providing a remarkable array of archaeological artifacts and educational material. The National Geographic Society, the exhibition’s global presenting partner, also shares photos, videos and content from its impressive and historic archive.
“This exhibition is an exciting journey into the real world of archaeology,” says Dr. Fredrik Hiebert, National Geographic’s Archaeology Fellow. “This is the perfect opportunity to introduce audiences of all ages to this fascinating scientific field through the inspiration of these highly popular films.”
Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology elucidates myths associated with relics like the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail and explores mythical places such as Akator or Mayapore. The exhibition also sheds light on how archaeologists really work on projects and make scientific breakthroughs such as deciphering ancient scripts, finding lost cities, and discovering treasure in unexpected places.
Visitors may begin their adventure of archaeology by visiting indianajonestheexhibition.com . A portal into the exhibition, the website hosts information that will allow visitors to discover the past, investigate lost civilizations, attempt to solve archaeological mysteries and prepare their journey into the world of Indiana Jones.
A Team of Experts:
In order to create a new kind of museum experience, one that will engage, educate and entertain visitors in innovative ways, X3 Productions has not only put its creative expertise to work, it has also gathered a team of distinguished specialists. With their recognized knowledge in academic and field archaeology Drs. Michel Fortin and Fredrik Hiebert have helped to create and develop the exhibition’s educational content. With a specialty in Near Eastern archaeology, Fortin is a Full Professor of Archaeology who has been teaching in the Department of History at Université Laval in Quebec City for nearly three decades. He has led numerous excavation teams in the Middle East and is a true ambassador to his profession. A world-renowned archaeologist and National Geographic Fellow, Hiebert is a field expert who has searched for human history in some of the world’s most remote and exotic places. His experience in both North and South America and across Asia is ideal for this project.
Archaeology and Local Treasures:
Indiana JonesTM and the Adventure of Archaeology sets the wheels in motion not only to inspire, but most importantly to cultivate a lasting interest in archaeology. The world abounds with treasures, some of which can be found in our own backyard. The exhibition is designed in such a way that the last gallery is dedicated to local archaeology that has been found throughout Orange County.
About Indiana JonesTM:
2011 marked the thirtieth anniversary of Indiana Jones’ first appearance on the silver screen. Since then, audiences around the world have been enraptured by his exploits and adventures and the Indiana Jones films have become a part of film history themselves. The film series lends itself to an unprecedented exhibit opportunity by which museum visitors of all ages can be introduced to the history, tools, findings and principles of archaeology.
About X3 Productions:
X3 Productions consists of three reputed Montreal-based creative companies who have joined forces and combined their extensive expertise in order to offer turnkey project solutions. gsmprjct° (gsmprjct.com) is a collective of four integrated teams behind the creation of many exhibitions for a variety of world-class museums. L’Équipe Spectra (equipespectra.ca), is best known for its creation of world-class cultural projects. Bleublancrouge (bleublancrouge.ca) has been voted one of Canada’s best creative agencies every year since 2008. X3 aims to provide a new kind of museum experience, one that engages, educates and entertains visitors in innovative ways.
About Lucasfilm Ltd.:
Lucasfilm Ltd. is one of the world’s leading film and entertainment companies. Founded by George Lucas in 1971, it is a privately held, fully integrated entertainment company. In addition to its motion-picture and television production operations, the company’s global activities include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound; LucasArts, a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software worldwide for video game console systems and PC; Lucas Licensing; and Lucasfilm Animation.
About the National Geographic Society:
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest non-profit scientific and educational organizations. National Geographic supports critical expeditions and scientific fieldwork, advances geography education, promotes natural and cultural conservation, and inspires audiences through vibrant exhibits and live events. National Geographic is one of the world’s leading organizers of large-scale, travelling exhibitions. In 2009, National Geographic travelling exhibitions were seen by more than 6 million visitors. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.
About the Penn Museum:
The Penn Museum (the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, located on the Penn campus in Philadelphia) is dedicated to the study and understanding of human history and diversity.The Museum’s collection of nearly one million objects include world-renowned artifacts from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean World, Asia, Africa, Polynesia and the Americas. With an active exhibition schedule and educational programming for children and adults, Penn Museum offers the public an opportunity to share in the ongoing discovery of humankind’s collective heritage.
About Discovery Science Center:
Imaginations run wild with 120 hands-on exhibits at Discovery Science Center (DSC), Orange County’s leading destination for hands-on science entertainment. DSC is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating young minds, assisting teachers and increasing public understanding of science, math and technology through interactive exhibits and programs. It is a community-wide resource where families come together to learn and have fun and school districts can use as an educational resource.
