Forecast: March Break 2012 at the ROM promises to be muy caliente

Families will get hot, hot, hot, as Maya-inspired activities take over the ROM from March 11 to 18 – all at cool lower pricing!

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) will be a hot destination for families as March Break 2012 says hola! to Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World. From Saturday, March 10 to Sunday, March 18, 2012, visitors will enjoy Maya-inspired programming at the ROM’s new lower admission prices.

The ROM extends its hours to 8:30 pm from Saturday March 10 to Saturday, March 17, and closes at 5:30 pm on Sunday, March 18. Friday nights pricing* is in effect each day of March Break from 4:30 pm until closing, and after 4:00 pm on Sunday, March 18. Visiting during the day at the ROM’s new lower admission prices includes much family programming, while a visit during the Museum’s special extended holiday hours features further discounted admission to enjoy Maya. See chart at end of release for full admission pricing information.

Maya-themed programming

Family programming and activities**, offered daily from 11:00am to 4:00pm, include:

< The Game Show at the End of the World, played three times daily in Currelly Gallery, promises participants and viewers a rollicking time as pyramids are built, brains are teased, and a ball game is played – all in the spirit of the ancient Maya

< Learn how the Maya created beautiful jewellery; then make your own to take home

< One of the most revered creatures of the ancient Maya, the quetzal bird, is yours for the taking (after making it, of course)

< A Maya High Priest will regally interact with visitors. Easy to spot, he’ll be the one with the full body paint!

< Pose for a photo as a Maya King and take home your free photo souvenir at the SONY® photo station from March 10 to 18

< The ROM’s numerous accessibility initiatives will allow all family members to explore through tactile graphics, detailed descriptions, accessible puzzles, and other activities, informing visitors of all ages about ancient civilizations

< Presentations in the Earth Rangers Studio in Life in Crisis: Schad Gallery of Biodiversity touches on the themes of agriculture and biodiversity, dynamically linking them to Maya society

Other Programming

< Wild cats, hawks, lemurs, and more entertain as Bring Back the Wild is presented by Earth Rangers in the Signy and Cléophée Eaton Theatre. The 20-minute live animal show can be seen daily at 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm

< Permanent galleries will play host to a wide variety of scavenger hunts and guessing games

< Travel back to the 15th century and participate in a Mediaeval Fair. Meet an archer, dance mediaeval-style, interact with live animals, and much more

< Visitors can test their skills to determine if they have what it takes to be a ROM conservator

< The newly launched Burgess Shale website will be available for viewing, with interpreters from Yoho National Park on hand to answer visitors’ questions

With so much going on at the ROM, appetites are sure to present themselves. Families are invited to dine like the Maya in the ROM’s casual family restaurant, Food Studio Café. Rotated daily, offerings include quesadillas, burritos, chilli, chorizo sausage, and corn pizza. With energies renewed, a visit to the ROM Museum Store or the Maya exhibition boutique is in order with plenty of inspired wares available for purchase.

About Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World

The exhibition is an international collaboration between the ROM, Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), and the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC). Nearly 250 artifacts have been assembled, including large sculptures, ceramics, masks, and jewellery, to illuminate the relationships between the Maya ruling class and the balance of its society. The objects also reveal numerous aspects of Maya life, which, until the end of the 19th century, had been shrouded in mystery. Maya city states, palace life, and rituals and beliefs, including a timely look at what they thought would occur in the year 2012, are all examined in the exhibition. Most of the showcased objects have never before been seen in Canada, and many, some only recently excavated, are recognized as among the most significant archaeological finds of the Maya civilization. The exhibition is on display at the ROM until April 9, 2012.

Lower Pricing in Effect

All March Break activities are included with ROM admission. Admission is as follows:

GENERAL ADMISSION MAYA + GENERAL ADMISSION

Adult $15 (previously $24) $25 (previously $31)

Senior (65+ years) $13.50 (previously $21) $22.50 (previously $28)

Student (15 - 25 years, with student ID) $13.50 (previously $21) $22.50 (previously $28)

Child (4 - 14 years) $12 (previously $16) $17 (previously $19.50)

Infant (3 years & under) Free

Members Free

*Discounted Evening Admission (Best Value):

GENERAL ADMISSION

Adult $9 (previously $12) Additional surcharge applies to see Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World

Senior $8 (previously $10.50)

Student $8 (previously $10.50)

Child $6 (previously $8)

ROM Friday Nights presented by Sun Life Financial, take place from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

**programming is accurate at time of writing. Check www.rom.on.ca closer to March Break to ensure status of activities.