“We wanted to turn this exhibition of mummies from a cultural perspective, to a science perspective,” explains Dr. Diane Perlov, Senior Vice President for Special Projects at the California Science Center in Los Angeles.

That science perspective allows “Mummies of the World: The Exhibition” to share the stories of these ancient people respectfully, while providing some new insights into their lives.

“Mummies of the World: The Exhibition” is making a final stop at the California Science Center as the conclusion of its world tour, which started in 2010. The exhibition runs from now through September 7, 2026. Here’s the link for more information.

With both naturally and intentionally preserved human and animal mummies from ancient Egypt, South America, and Europe, the exhibition also offers CT scans and analysis of the full-body mummies. Authentic burial objects, interactive audiovisual experiences and mummification tools are included, as is an IMAX movie, “Secrets of the Pharoahs”.

Science for the past–and the future

The result: new understanding of the lives of these ancient people.

“We learn through stories,” Dr. Perlov says, after explaining the ways the CT scan has revealed some of the health issues facing the two ancient Egyptian priests on display.

And the stories the scientific research reveals, she says, refute stereotypes of “primitive” cultures. Instead, a picture emerges of a dignified and thoughtful approach to burial of their dead.

Research of these mummies also provides a window on the future. The study of centuries-old DNA enables modern medical professionals to research pathogens while seeking cures for current diseases.

Dr. Perlov shared the story of the exhibition, offered a closer look at the ways the science and storytelling combine to give visitors an understanding of these ancient people, and discussed some of the cultural practices reflected in the exhibition.

On this edition of Over Coffee®we cover:

• How Dr. Perlov became first inspired to make anthropology her life’s work;

• The story of the “Mummies of the World” exhibition;

• A closer look at the insights which science provides into the lives of two of the most popular mummies;

• What one of the mummies from Peru reveals about the respect with which the Inca people buried their dead;

• Some of the considerations involved in presenting this exhibition in a respectful and dignified way;

• How to introduce children to the exhibition;

• What the mummies can reveal about modern health issues;

• What Dr. Perlov would like visitors to learn from seeing the exhibition;

• The thinking of some ancient cultures and how it’s reflected in the animal mummies;

• The Maryland Mummy, and research into the ancient Egyptian mummification process;

• What Dr. Perlov considers most inspiring about the “Mummies of the World” exhibition.