ORLANDO, Fla. — Mummies arrived at the Orlando Science Center Wednesday for the "Mummies of the World" exhibition, which opens in 10 days.
It's the largest collection of mummies and related artifacts ever put together, and WFTV was there as it was unloaded at the Orlando Science Center.
"There's an awe factor about seeing mummies. They're intriguing. They tell us a lot about ourselves because, remember, these are real people who had real lives just like you and I," said Marcus Corwin, president of American Exhibitions Inc.
The mummies arrived in an eight-vehicle motorcade, which included a heavy security detail.
"Most people think mummies come from Egypt in a wrap, but in fact, mummies come from all over the world. In fact, most mummies are naturally formed or accidental mummies, and I would say 90 percent of the mummies are like that and not like Egyptians," said Corwin.
The boxes that were delivered contained artifacts and mummies, some of them thousands of years old.
Raw: Mummies delivered to Orlando Science Center
Visitors can look forward to seeing 4,500-year-old mummies and some as young 200 years old. Visitors can also see animal mummies.
Corwin said the exhibit also has interactive learning tools.
Organizers say one of the most fascinating parts of the exhibit is Mumab, the donated American corpse mummified by researchers in the U.S.
"They're sort of somewhere between life and death for eternity. They're going to be here always telling their story," said Corwin.
Officials have not said how long the mummies will be exhibited, only that it's a limited engagement at the science center.
Orlando is the 12th stop of the exhibition's U.S. tour.
The exhibition opens Saturday, June 13.
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