A new, immersive exhibit has arrived at the California Science Center — and it explores an ancient, bygone civilization.
“Maya: The Exhibition,” which opened earlier this week and will run through January, highlights the rise and fall of the Maya civilization of Mexico and Central America, giving guests the opportunity to explore its scientific innovations, take a close look at original artifacts and learn about the lingering impact of that society today.
“We’re thrilled to bring this extraordinary, visually splendid exhibition to California to showcase the accomplishments of one of the world’s great civilizations,” said Jeffrey Rudolph, president and CEO of California Science Center. “The Maya left behind intricate architecture, scientific innovations, and advancements in writing and astronomy that have had a tremendous impact on our world.”
Among the items on display are a majestic 9-foot-long stucco sculpture in the shape of a warrior in a jaguar mask, an ornate jade and obsidian mosaic mask, and more than 200 other original artifacts.
“There’s been many Maya exhibitions but this one in particular, I think, is one of the best,” said Diane Perlov, senior vice president of exhibits at the California Science Center. “The quality of the artifacts is unsurpassed, they’re really beautiful.”
Many of the artifacts, Perlov said, are on tour outside Guatemala for the first time.
“Maya: The Exhibition” was produced by Museums Partner, an organization in Austria, which also collaborated with the California Science Center; the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Government of the Republic of Guatemala; and La Ruta Maya Foundation. La Ruta Maya Foundation is a nonprofit that aims to support the rescue, conservation and cultural values of the Maya heritage in Mesoamerica; it also promotes the education, dissemination and enhancement of that culture.
“What we always look for in an exhibit is we explore the science behind it,” Rudolph…
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