Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science

Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science is an immersive quest for knowledge that reveals how archaeologists use modern science and technology to uncover and understand the ancient civilization of Egypt. Through authentic artifacts, current science and hands-on discovery, visitors will unearth the mysteries of Egypt, its culture and its people.

Learn about archaeology in Des Moines!

Cafe Scientifique: Urban Archaeology in Metropolitan Des Moines
Tuesday, March 6 | 5:30-7:30pm

Uncover history and learn about a 7,000-year-old settlement unearthed along the banks of the Des Moines River and a more recent discovery under the streets of downtown Des Moines.

Presenters: John Doershuk, Melody Pope, Bill Whittaker, Shirley Schermer, Robin Lillie, and Joe Artz, The University of Iowa, Office of the State Archaeologist

Location: 4th Street Theater at Java Joes, 214 4th Street, Downtown Des Moines

What People are Saying About Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science

A mummy named “Annie” (short for anonymous) lies in a dimly lit room of the exhibition. The ancient priests who embalmed her probably didn’t know her name — they would have marked it on her coffin — but buried her with considerable ceremony, with a gilded mask and the elaborately painted sarcophagus displayed nearby. A conservator recently touched up the nose on her burial mask and repainted the toe designs on the covering around her feet.

~ The Des Moines Register

So the Science Center of Iowa has got the most amazing exhibit showing right now...Lost Egypt. My favorite part was looking at the artifacts. It amazes me the artistry that was used at that point in history. And seeing Annie was just chilling. At one point, my daughter was sitting on a bench watching a video and was completely mesmerized!

~ Karess Carter - Star 102.5

We're so lucky to have this come to us. It seems to be built for different age groups; People of all ages will be able to enjoy it. I would highly recommend it for teachers to bring their classrooms. We've always had to travel to see these things, and now here in our own backyard, we get to enjoy this quality exhibition.

Watch the video

~ Michelle Cabreriza, hieroglyphic contest winner

The mystery is fascinating. It's educational, but it's fun education. It draws you in to all of the different pieces. The fact that you can figure out what happened and you can figure out what people's daily lives were like by looking at broken stuff on the ground is cool.

Watch the video

~ Robin Dale, hieroglyphic contest winner

It's going on over the holidays, so bring the family! The second Friday of every month is Family Night, where we have special activities and families can take extra time and come in until 8 o'clock.

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~ STAR 102.5 - Big Ken & Colleen

The Science Center received a special delivery today. Crews carefully opened a wooden box to reveal a real mummy. Experts examined "Annie" and her coffin to make sure nothing was damaged during shipping.

Get a sneak peek of Annie - Watch the video

~ WHO-TV