Can you tell if this is fake?
Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010 | 7 p.m.
The real thing–does it even matter anymore? Especially here in Las Vegas, where simulacra and imitation-everything are the new true. The question arises (again) as a new permanent exhibit called The Treasures of Egypt opens this week at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, showcasing nearly 500 artifacts, including the tomb of the young Pharaoh Tutankhamun.
The truth about this Egyptiana: It’s all repro: $3 million worth of dummy mummies and faux pharaohs.
Calendar
- Treasures of Egypt
- Daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $5-$10 (free, 2 and under).
- Las Vegas Natural History Museum, 900 N. Las Vegas Boulevard, 384-3466. lvvmnh.org.
Now located in the museum’s new 4,000-square-foot Egyptian Pavilion expansion, the replicas were formerly on display in the King Tut Museum & Tomb inside the Luxor, and were donated by MGM Mirage.
Ancient or made-to-order, authentic or artificial, Egyptian stuff is eternally fun and fascinating, and with its chariots, sarcophagi, a recreated village and marketplace, and an interactive mummy-scan, Treasures is assured of many curse-free nights — and days — at the museum
- The 40,000-square-foot Museum is committed to providing multiple family-friendly educational programs focused on the sciences, environment, natural history, humanities and Nevada as an accredited nonprofit museum with the American Alliance of Museums, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, and a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers.
- Its nearby federal and state of Nevada repository is committed to increasing understanding of the past through the preservation, curation and research of fossils and archaeological artifacts recovered in Nevada.
- Through compliance with the standards and best practices in the field, the Museum will continue to develop characteristics of excellence as it strives toward world-class museum standards.
- To meet the needs of a growing community, the Museum will ensure good stewardship of collections and continue to evolve to reflect community visitor-centered best practices.
- While ensuring the financial stability of the organization, the interests, values and sensibilities of families will always serve as the core for Museum programming. Admission fees and hours of operation of the Museum will also allow for maximum accessibility for the Las Vegas community.
- To best share the valuable resources available through the Museum, the Museum team will promote and effectively communicate with the public about its cultural, historic and scientific programs and exhibitions.
- The Dinosaur Ball is the Museum’s annual fundraiser that raises much-needed support for Museum programming.
- The Museum Partnership Program provides unforgettable museum experiences and year-round benefits. Partnerships are available at $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000—or contact us to customize your partner perks to meet your goals and interests. Learn more at lvnhm.org/museum-partnership-program.
- Be part of history, one brick at a time. The walkway into the Museum is made up of permanent bricks that can be engraved for $250 per brick.
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