Dr. Zahi Hawass presents "The Pyramids, Mummies and Cleopatra: Recent Discoveries"

Oklahoma City, OK. World-renowned archaeologist and TV personality Dr. Zahi Hawass will present "The Pyramids, Mummies and Cleopatra: Recent Discoveries" at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art on Wednesday, May 14, at 6 p.m., as part of the Museum's Friends' Lecture Series. Dr. Hawass will also sign copies of his latest book, "Discovering Tutankhamun," immediately following the lecture. Copies will be available for purchase in the Museum Store.

"Dr. Hawass is the leading figure in Egyptian archaeology and his appearance at the Museum will be an opportunity not to be missed," said Museum President and CEO E. Michael Whittington. "Ancient Egypt is the cradle of world civilization and continues to fascinate us today.

Dr. Hawass has led excavations at most of the archaeological sites in Egypt during his career, which he began as an inspector of antiquities. He rose to the height of the profession in Egypt, becoming Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, as well as the first Minister of State for Antiquities.

During his lecture, Dr. Hawass will share many important discoveries concerning pyramids, mummies, and Cleopatra. He has been excavating around the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza for decades, and he has found the tombs of the pyramid builders that tell the story of the workmen who were involved in their construction. Dr. Hawass will also reveal the mystery of the Sphinx discovered during drilling underneath the ancient statue.

With the aid of CT scanning and DNA analysis, Dr. Hawass and his teams discovered the mummy of Queen Hatshupset, the family of Tutankhamun, and the secret of the death of the Golden Pharaoh. Dr. Hawass will explain how modern technology has helped reveal mysterious of famous Egyptian pharaohs as well various results of his first excavation in the Valley of the Kings.

To end his lecture, Dr. Hawass will discuss his search for the tomb of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. This search began six years ago and still continues inside the temple of Taposiris Magna, near Alexandria. In this area, Dr. Hawass also found a large cemetery outside the temple, with mummies covered in gold. This lecture will be full of mystery, thrill and discoveries made by Dr. Hawass himself.

Dr. Hawass is a regular on the History Channel, the Discovery Channel and PBS. He earned his BA from Alexandria University in Greek and Roman archaeology and a diploma in Egyptology from Cairo University. He earned his MA and PhD at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied as a Fulbright fellow. Additionally, Dr. Hawass has received five honorary doctorates. He is widely known for raising public awareness of archaeology and promoting the preservation of Egypt's heritage.

The James C. Meade Friends' Lecture Series supports the Museum's mission of enriching lives through the visual arts. Named for Lifetime Trustee and Friends supporter James C. Meade, the series features internationally recognized speakers, including curators, critics, collectors, and cultural figures that engage and educate audiences with current perspectives in the visual arts. The lecture is free for Museum members and $5 for non-members. Seating is limited -- tickets are required for the lecture and will be available May 8 online at www.okcmoa.com or by calling (405) 236-3100.

About Oklahoma City Museum of Art

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art serves more than 135,000 visitors annually from all 50 states and more than 30 foreign countries and presents exhibitions drawn from throughout the world. The Museum's collection covers a period of five centuries with highlights in European and American art from the 19th and 20th centuries, a growing collection of contemporary art, and a comprehensive collection of glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly. The Museum boasts the region's premiere repertory cinema, which screens the finest international, independent, and classic films, and is home to the Museum School, which offers classes for students of all ages as well as art camps for children. Amenities include the Museum Store, a roof terrace, and the Museum Cafe, a full-service restaurant, offering lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch, afternoon tea, a full bar, and catering services. For more information visit www.okcmoa.com.

The Gayly – April 28, 2014 @ 2:15pm