As a child, I was fascinated with Cleopatra, the famed Egyptian Queen born in 69 B.C. and her adventures. I even remember watching reruns with my family of the 1963 movie starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. In high school and again in college I even chose Cleopatra as the topic of research papers, so you can just imagine my excitement to hear the news that the record-breaking King Tut exhibit is coming to Denver -- and dates have already been extended from June 29, 2010 through January 9, 2011.

During the King Tut exhibit, visitors can revel in the splendor of ancient Egypt with a dazzling array of more than 130 treasures spanning over 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history, including 50 artifacts from the tomb of King Tut. This will be the only Rocky Mountain appearance before the boy king's treasures return to Cairo.

Even though I’m quite excited about the exhibit, history can be totally boring to kids, until you make it exciting.

According to Kristy Bassuener, Denver Art Museum: “The museum will have several cool Tut-related programs for kids and families to supplement our ongoing programming for families. Our education team develops special programs for kids of all ages, adults and families.”

Here are two of the family friendly programs during King Tut exhibit

Can't get enough of King Tut? Denver Art Museum visitors will have the opportunity to add the 3D film, Egypt 3D: Secrets of the Mummies to their exhibition visit – or any visit. The 30-minute feature follows researchers and explorers as they piece together the archeological and genetic clues of Egyptian mummies. These relics of the past create a window into the fascinating and mysterious world of the pharaohs. In addition to increasing our understanding of the culture, religion, medicine and daily life thousands of years ago, scientists today are reconstructing mummy DNA and deciphering ancient texts to gain insight into modern human genetics and advance medical treatments. ($5 additional at the museum)

Adult and Family Programming Programming surrounding the exhibition will feature family-friendly activities and spaces to engage museum visitors of all ages. In the Just for Fun Egypt Center, located in Duncan Pavilion, kids can try on costumes to become Egyptian royalty, or design an Egyptian collar. Families can enjoy a snack, take in the view from the outdoor patio, relax and play.

Two Create Play dates for kids ages 3 to 5 and their grownups – MEOW in September and SHINE in November – will feature drop-in fun and story time in the gallery with an Egyptian art theme. Create Play dates are free with general admission.

For more on children’s and family programs at the Denver Art Museum, visit www.denverartmuseum.org/kids the widely acclaimed and record-breaking King Tut exhibition is featured at the Denver Art Museum, you can be sure I’ll be taking my grandchildren!

What have you done to introduce your family to history?

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