PRESS RELEASE

May 19, 2011

Media Contact: Jenna Stoll (513) 287-7099 office, (513) 373-6592 cell, jstoll@cincymuseum.org, OR Elizabeth Pierce (513) 368-2139, epierce@cincymuseum.org

World-renowned archaeologist Zahi Hawass visits Cincinnati June 12
Public lecture at Aronoff Center will detail his discoveries and search for Cleopatra's tomb featured in Cincinnati Museum Center's Cleopatra exhibition

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Museum Center’s blockbuster exhibition, Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt, brings the wonder and mysteries of Egypt right here to Cincinnati. Now comes a rare opportunity to dig deeper into the search for Cleopatra’s tomb with a lecture from the man hot on her trail - Dr. Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s Minister of State for Antiquities.

Dr. Hawass, Egypt’s preeminent archaeologist, will give a public lecture, Egypt: Yesterday and Today, at the Aronoff Center for the Arts at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 12 in Procter & Gamble Hall. His recent discoveries from the Ptolemaic temple of Taposiris Magna and his enthusiastic search for this elusive queen are highlighted in the Cleopatra exhibition. Egypt: Yesterday and Today complements the exhibition, providing the opportunity to hear more about his work, his latest discoveries and his ongoing search for the tomb of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Dr. Hawass will also discuss the recent events in Egypt, focusing on the importance of the protection of Egypt’s priceless artifacts.

Tickets begin at $30 and include admission to Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt with discounts for Cincinnati Museum Center Members. A $99 ticket also includes front row seats, a meet and greet reception before the lecture and an autographed book. Call (513) 621-2787 or visit http://www.cincinnatiarts.org/ to order tickets, on sale 10 a.m. Monday, May 23.

Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt features nearly 150 artifacts from Cleopatra’s time and takes visitors inside the present-day search for the queen, which extends from the sands of Egypt to the depths of the Bay of Aboukir near Alexandria. The exhibition is organized by National Geographic and Arts and Exhibitions International, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities and the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM). It runs through September 5 at Cincinnati Museum Center. More information is available at www.cincymuseum.org or by calling (513) 287-7000.

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About Cincinnati Museum Center
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is a nationally recognized institution as well as national historic landmark. Dedicated to sparking community dialogue, insight and inspiration, Museum Center was awarded the 2009 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Our Union Terminal has been voted the nation’s 45th most important building by the American Institute of Architects. Organizations within Cincinnati Museum Center include the Cincinnati History Museum, Duke Energy Children’s Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX® Theater and the Cincinnati Historical Society Library. Recognized as Forbes Traveler Magazine as the 17th most visited museum in the county, Cincinnati Museum Center welcomes one million plus visitors annually. Cincinnati Museum Center gratefully acknowledges operating and capital support from the taxpayers of Hamilton County and the State of Ohio. For more information, visit www.cincymuseum.org.