Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology: The Exhibition!

Press Release

For the past thirty years, audiences around the world have followed Indiana Jones on his quests for treasure, adventure, fortune and glory. And now, Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology, a redefined modern exhibition experience, is coming to a museum near you. This innovative exhibition, made possible by Lucasfilm Ltd., presented by the National Geographic Society and produced by Montreal’s X3 Productions, will feature fascinating artefacts from the National Geographic Society and the Penn Museum, along with an extensive collection of Indiana Jones film materials from the Lucasfilm Archives. This first-of-its kind touring exhibition will be presented in twelve world-class institutions in Canada, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. The world premiere run will be held at the Montreal Science Centre, starting April 28, 2011.

Kyra Bowling, Exhibits Manager at Lucasfilm Ltd., is pleased to see that “Dr. Jones has found his way to the museum and accompanies visitors on their very own adventure into the science of field archaeology.” Bowling adds, “The Indiana Jones films have entertained generations of audiences and this exhibition provides a wonderful way to merge that on-screen excitement with the science of archaeology to help inspire learning in a fun, dynamic way.”

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology not only features a vast and exclusive collection of Indy props, models, concept art and set designs, it also presents a wealth of historical and cultural facts. The internationally renowned University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, otherwise known as the Penn Museum, is providing genuine archaeological artefacts and educational material. The National Geographic Society, the exhibition’s global presenting partner, also shares artefacts, photos, videos and content from its impressive and historic archive.

“This exhibition is an exciting journey into the real world of archaeology,” says Fredrik Hiebert, National Geographic’s Archaeology Fellow. “This is the perfect opportunity to introduce audiences of all ages to this fascinating scientific field through the inspiration of these highly popular films. It is a natural for National Geographic.”

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology transforms the museum experience into a multimedia and interactive adventure. Visitors will be immersed in the world of Indiana Jones, an environment created by state-of-the-art technology and spanning over 1,000 square metres. Equipped with a video companion, visitors will embark on a quest to uncover the true origins of archaeological mysteries. Charged with comprehensive educational content, photos and videos, the interactive hand-held devices will guide visitors on the “Indy Trail” and through the various archaeological zones. Visitors will also have the ability to create their own adventure with an interactive quest.

Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology will elucidate myths associated with relics like the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail and explore mythical places such as Akator or Mayapore. The exhibition also will shed light on how archaeologists really work on projects such as deciphering ancient scripts and discovering the true origins of the mysterious Nasca lines in southern Peru. With Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology, visitors will discover where fact meets fiction.

A Team of Experts
In order to create a new kind of museum experience, one that will engage, educate and entertain visitors in innovative ways, X3 Productions has not only put its creative expertise to work, it has also gathered a team of world-renowned specialists. With their recognized knowledge in academic and field archaeology Drs. Michel Fortin and Fredrik Hiebert have helped to create and develop the exhibition’s educational content. With a specialty in Near Eastern archaeology, Fortin is a Full Professor of Archaeology who has been teaching in the Department of History at Université Laval in Quebec City for nearly three decades. He has led numerous excavation teams in the Middle East and is a true ambassador to his profession. A world-renowned archaeologist and National Geographic Fellow, Hiebert is a field expert who has searched for human history in some of the world’s most remote and exotic places. His experience in both North and South America and across Asia is ideal for this project. The team is further supported by Shirley Reiff Howarth, director of the Humanities Exchange in Montreal, whose expertise in travelling exhibitions and museum curation has proven to be a great asset in the development of this project.

Archaeology and Local Treasures
Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology sets the wheels in motion not only to inspire, but most importantly to cultivate a lasting interest in archaeology. The world abounds with treasures, some of which can be found in our own backyard. The exhibition is designed in such a way that the last gallery is dedicated to local archaeology, allowing the host museum to feature some of its prized collections. For its world premiere in Montreal, artefacts from the Archaeology Collection of the City of Montreal will be on display.

Information and ticket sales
Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology: The Exhibition will launch its world premiere at the Montreal Science Centre from April 28 through September 18, 2011. Tickets are on sale now! For complete schedule and ticket information, visit the Montreal Science Centre Box Office or contact them at (514) 496-4724 or (877) 496-4724 or visit indianajonestheexhibition.com. Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology is the first production of X3 Productions, for more information visit x3productions.ca.