The end is near…. Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World

Prior to its April 9th closing, Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World enjoys extended hours and makes the ROM a hot March Break destination

Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) comes to an end on Monday, April 9, 2012. This original exhibition, brilliantly bringing to life the Classic Period (250 - 900 CE) of the ancient Mesoamerican culture, has been displayed in the ROM’s Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall since its November 19, 2011 opening.

The exhibition showcases nearly 250 artifacts to illuminate the relationships between the Maya ruling class and the balance of its society. The remarkable objects also reveal many aspects of Maya life, which, until the end of the 19th century, had been shrouded in mystery. Among the themes examined in the exhibition is a very timely look at what the Maya thought would occur in the year 2012. Many of the showcased artifacts have never before been seen in Canada with many recognized as among the most significant archaeological finds of the Maya civilization. These stunning artifacts are complemented by vibrant, ROM-produced audio-visual installations. Maya: Secrets of their Ancient World is an international collaboration between the ROM, Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), and the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC).

Scores of scholars, adults, and families have participated in the ROM’s wide array of programming offered in conjunction with Maya’s engagement. The exhibition has inspired engaging and educational activities over ROM for the Holidays, Family Day Long Weekend and, still to come, March Break. The Maya Distinguished Lecture Series, during which many talks enjoyed sold out status, took place over the length of the exhibition’s engagement. The Series featured renowned speakers exploring numerous aspects of Maya society. In the exhibition, many accessibility initiatives have successfully removed barriers to participation for visitors with varying disabilities.

ROM Members already know that the best way to experience the Museum is through membership and its numerous benefits, including free unlimited admission for members, special discounts for shopping, dining, programs, and more at the ROM. Purchasing a ROM Membership now will garner these benefits for both Maya and the upcoming Ultimate Dinosaurs: Giants from Gondwana, opening at the ROM on June 23, 2012. For additional information on membership, visit www.rom.on.ca/members or call 416.586.5700.

To allow more visitors to enjoy Maya prior to its leaving Toronto, the ROM extends its hours to 8:30 pm from Saturday March 10 to Saturday, March 17, and to 5:30 pm on Sunday, March 18. Special March Break discount 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. Last entry to the exhibition is 1.5 hours before Museum closing.

* please visit https://www.rom.on.ca/visit/ for full details on the ROM’s recently lowered admission prices.

Visit www.rom.on.ca/maya for full exhibition details and follow the ROM via Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and the ROM blog for regular updates.

This exhibition is co-produced by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and the Canadian Museum of Civilization (CMC) in collaboration with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (CONACULTA-INAH). Supported by the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Canada Travelling Exhibitions Indemnification Program.