SEATTLE, WA.- Pacific Science Center opened Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs. More than 30 years after the first King Tut exhibition captivated Seattle, the magic and mystery of the boy king return to the Pacific Northwest with an almost entirely new selection of treasures and more than twice the number of artifacts.
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This major exhibition features more than 100 remarkable objects from the tomb of King Tut and ancient sites representing some of the most important rulers throughout 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. Derived from royal and private tombs and temples from 2600 B.C.E. to 660 B.C.E.*, many of these artifacts have never before been seen in North America prior to this exhibition tour. The exhibition will be on display at Pacific Science Center from May 24, 2012 to January 6, 2013.

“Pacific Science Center is proud to bring King Tut back to Seattle after more than 30 years. The Science Center is passionate about inspiring and educating people of all ages and we are committed to bringing diverse programming and exhibits from around the world,” said Bryce Seidl, president and CEO for Pacific Science Center. “ Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs is an exhibit rich with history and culture; it tells the story of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.”

“This is really a big deal,” said Washington Governor Chris Gregoire. “This exhibition will give a new generation of individuals the chance to see these irreplaceable artifacts, not online and not on their phones, but in person at Pacific Science Center.”

“Seattle’s tourism community enthusiastically welcomes the return of King Tut to the Pacific Northwest,” said Tom Norwalk, president & CEO of Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Major cultural events and exhibitions such as this spark significant tourism interest in Seattle and the entire region. We look forward to working with Pacific Science Center and the Seattle community to promote and celebrate this positive opportunity and catalyst for tourism.”

The exhibition is organized by the National Geographic Society, Arts and Exhibitions International and AEG Exhibitions, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities. A portion of the proceeds from the tour will go toward antiquities preservation and conservation efforts in Egypt, including the construction of the new Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids in Giza.

“Tutankhamun’s magic still captures the hearts of people all over the world, even though more than 87 years have passed since the discovery of his amazing tomb,” says Zahi Hawass, former secretary general of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. “I always say that Egyptian antiquities are the heritage of the world and that we are their only guardians.”

The exhibition features an audio tour and National Geographic video documentary, both narrated by award-winning actor Harrison Ford.

“Egypt's ancient treasures are among the world’s greatest cultural legacies,” said Terry Garcia, executive vice president, National Geographic Society. “Even with the great wealth of research that already exists, new technologies continue to open up the past in ways never imagined. Visitors to this exhibition will not only see stunning artifacts spanning 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, but they will also learn more about the life and death of Tutankhamun through CT scans conducted on his mummy.”

“For more than 120 years Northern Trust has been committed to celebrating diversity and heritage through the arts. As cultural partner of this important exhibit, we are proud to promote cultural awareness and provide an educational experience for the Seattle community and visitors from around the world," said Northern Trust Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Frederick H. Waddell.

“American Airlines is thrilled to have a role in bringing Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs to Seattle,” said Dan Garton, executive vice president of marketing for American Airlines. “As the official airline of the exhibition, we arepleased that American Airlines is helping to make it possible for these extraordinary objects to be seen by thousands of visitors.”

Pacific Science Center’s on-site exhibits, theaters, programs and events inspire and educate nearly a million people every year bringing high-quality, exciting, interactive experiences to children and families who come from around the world or right here in our community.

Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs will be part of Pacific Science Center’s 50-year anniversary celebration in 2012.

As part of the total experience, Pacific Science Center will feature the IMAX® film Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs, which takes audiences on a journey to the royal tombs of Egypt, exploring the history of ancient Egyptian society as told through the mummies of the past.