The exhibit is organized chronologically, starting with pre-Columbian Peruvian mummies. Of course, we're all familiar with Egyptian mummies, thanks to film and books. But while Peruvian mummies were similar in some ways—they too were dried and preserved—they were different in others. Peruvian mummies were preserved by their own family members, and the bodies were reinforced with clay and reeds. Hand-crafted masks also were attached. What might be most interesting to children is the fact that—unlike in ancient Egypt—these tombs were underground and accessible. It's also believed ancestors were trotted out for big celebrations. (Weekend at Bernie's, anyone?)

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Visitors can “unwrap” Egyptian and Peruvian mummies at several touch screens that are part of the exhibit. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH.

Kids might be fascinated to learn (as was I) that at least some pre-Colombian cultures bound their babies' heads so the skulls would grow into different shapes, identifying them as part of a family or tribe. Three skulls were on display showing these decidedly unnatural shapes, and there were also quite a few mummies of babies, small children, and parents with children. However, while you can view images of the bones inside the mummified bundles via touch screens, only a very sensitive child is likely to be scared or bothered. The bones and bundles seem far enough removed that it's hard to visualize the people inside.

The Egyptian section holds more familiar mummies in sophisticated sarcophagi, while the Peruvian mummies seem more homespun, as one might expect, since they were sort of a DIY project for families. The Egyptian mummies are more recent, relatively speaking, and viewers get more details about those preserved within the coffins. While some were preserved naturally, thanks to the dry desert climate, most were embalmed in the elaborate process we've all read about.

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French artist Elisabeth Daynes illustrated what this mummified boy looked like using CT scans and a 3D-printed reconstruction of a skull. Scan image, left, courtesy of The Field Museum; sculpture photo, right, courtesy of E. Daynes.

Without a doubt, there are two stars of the show—the "Gilded Lady," a middle-aged woman who probably died of tuberculosis; and Minirdis, a teenage boy preserved about 200 years after the coffin bearing that name. That, it seems, belonged to an earlier occupant. Artist Elisabeth Daynes reconstructed sculptures of both faces by using 3D printed skulls generated from CT scans, and both faces are strikingly realistic. 

All of this is an example of the amazing technology used to create the exhibit. In the "old days," mummies were even unwrapped in public. But now, thanks to modern imaging techniques, mummies can remain untouched and intact, but the mysteries inside can be reproduced via 3D printers and on touch screens. It's a fascinating collision of the ancient and modern ages.

Kids of all ages should enjoy this exhibit, as should their parents, though school-age kids are likely to enjoy it best, including tweens and teens. I devoured books about mummies as a child, and still learned quite a bit touring the show. It's a good thing this exhibit is long-running, because people are likely to flock to it. You should, too. 

Mummies runs through next year: January 7, 2018. Requires General Admission Plus One or SuperSaver tickets. 

Top photo: A conservator at Chicago's Field Museum prepares the mummy known as the “Gilded Lady” for display at AMNH. Photo by D. Finnin/courtesy AMNH.