The secrets of an ancient world await in “Mystery of the Mayan Medallion”.

In this immersive exhibit, visitors are transported to Palenque, Mexico, where an archaeological team has mysteriously disappeared from a dig site while investigating rumors of a priceless jade medallion. They will follow the clues the team left behind to locate the precious medallion while avoiding the dangers lurking in the ruins.

In the exhibit, visitors will:

  • Translate glyphs
  • Discover which rainforest animals are poisonous
  • Learn how the Mayans recorded dates
  • Take rubbings from a sarcophagus
  • Interpret a “battle” mural

Exhibit components include archeology, biology and astro-mathematic field stations, an observatory and a tomb area that yield clues to the medallion’s whereabouts.

“Mystery of the Mayan Medallion has been popular everywhere it’s been experienced, and we know museum visitors young and old alike will enjoy engaging with the many components of the exhibit,” said Kelley Bass, CEO of the Museum of Discovery. “It is a fun mix of science, history and intrigue.”

In addition, Institute curators will enhance this exhibit with a focused exploration of Mayan culture through a selection of authentic material objects and artifacts. This added component offers visitors a unique opportunity to encounter genuine remnants of Mayan and related Mesoamerican civilizations, enriching their understanding of the cultures featured in the main exhibit.

Likewise, young visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of ancient Maya life. They can discover how archaeologists reproduced hieroglyphics by creating their own charcoal rubbings or experience a hands-on introduction to the traditional Mayan ballgame, Poktok/Ulama, on a kid-friendly, table-top ball court.

Changing Exhibit Hall Admission (in addition to museum admission when applicable)

"Mystery of the Mayan Medallion" is an exhibit by the Discovery Network, a statewide program of the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock.