Explore St. Louis

Take an archeological treasure hunt courtesy of the Saint Louis Art Museum’s spectacular new exhibition, Treasures from the Royal Tombs of Ur. The incredible exhibit opens today in the renowned art institution that served as the Palace of Fine Arts during the fabled “Meet Me in St. Louis” World’s Fair. Treasures from the Royal Tombs of Ur runs through January 16, 2006. The Saint Louis Art Museum is located in beautiful and historic Forest Park.

On view are dazzling Ancient Sumerian icons of the Mesopotamian culture dating to 2600 B.C. The 160 objects in this collection are part of the historic find of early 20th century archeologist C. Leonard Woolley. Woolley’s discovery is considered among the greatest archeological unearthings of all time. It was as astounding and significant as that of his contemporary Howard Carter’s finding of King Tut’s tomb and its contents which also happened in the 1920s.

Gorgeous gold and lapis lazuli encrusted jewelry and statuary, elaborate headdresses and rare Sumerian works of art and ceremonial objects are on display.

Admission to this special exhibit is $6.00 for adults; $5 for students and seniors and $4 for children 6 to 12 years of age. Thanks to a generous grant by the Ford Motor Company, the exhibit is free on Fridays when the museum is open until 9:00 p.m. Regular hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Friday, 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. The museum is closed on Monday. General admission to the Saint Louis Art Museum is always free.