A successful media launch to Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World

Posted: November 30, 2011 - 10:46 , by royal

The November 16 media preview for Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World was an auspicious debut for this exciting international effort.

The Globe & Mail, National Post, Toronto Star, and numerous CBC television and radio shows, both English and French, were among the 60+ different media outlets attending the morning event. The city’s Spanish-language journalists were also well-represented among the approximately 125 guests.

Arriving guests were greeted by a Maya High Priest, who quickly became the focus of numerous photo ops, with many noting his regal bearing. And blue body paint. Attendees enjoyed a cuppa Maya spiced hot chocolate and other Maya-inspired fare as they mingled in Samuel Hall / Currelly Gallery. Prior to ROM Director & CEO Janet Carding taking the stage as emcee, guitarist Jorge Lopez and singer Yuri Lopez provided a musical interlude, introducing the guests to the land of the Maya.

Speaking at the event were the Hon. Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism & Culture; ROM curator Dr. Justin Jennings; and from Mexico, National Institute of Anthropology & Archaeology (INAH) curator Roberto Lopez Bravo. Each touched on the excitement surrounding the exhibition and the outstanding collaboration leading to its world premiere at the ROM.

Among the event’s special guests was Mexico’s Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Francisco Barrio Terrazas, and Consul General, Mauricio Toussaint.  Also on hand were colleagues from the ROM’s partner institutions, the National Institute of Anthropology & Archaeology (INAH), and the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC).

Following the short remarks, attendees eagerly made their way down to the Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall. As guests enjoyed exploring the exhibition, ROM curator Dr. Justin Jennings was kept busy giving interviews in both English and Spanish, while INAH’s representatives spoke with Spanish-language journalists, and CMC curator Jean-Luc Pilon, along with the ROM’s Jacques Lavoie, engaged with French journalists.

Shortly after this highly successful introduction to the media, the exhibition opened to the public and our visitors have been enjoying discovering the ancient Maya and their many accomplishments.