New exhibit showcases Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru
CBS12 News got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look as the exhibit was unboxed and set up ahead of the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
On Tuesday, outside the Boca Raton Museum of Art, teams were welding intricate mounts and set for the nearly 200 priceless artifacts that are part of the Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibit. The mounts may look delicate, but they are strong enough to withstand earthquakes.
Meanwhile, inside the museum, curators were carefully unpacking the Incan artifacts, some of which date back to before 1540.
“They were really into cosmology like we have completely forgotten today,” said Head Registrar Jackie Hoff. “They were really incredible astronomers. They were agricultural superiors. They knew how to do it all!”
Hoff says it’s easy to be mesmerized by the collection of rare gold and artifacts.
“Their objects are exquisite. They tell of artisans, artists, [some] tell of rulers, [some] tell of sacred nature of animals.”
According to Hoff the process to set up the exhibit took months, from selecting the pieces at Museo Larco, in Peru, to meticulously crating the ancient to ship to Florida. She says once they arrived they had to climatize. Right now, the objects are stored in a room at the museum which is kept at a specific temperature and humidity.
Spotlight on Machu Picchu and The Golden Empires of Peru
Currently, museum execs and curates are working down to the wire to make the experience unforgettable for visitors, who will be fully immersed in the lives of ancient people in Peru and the ornate riches they once cherished.
“I think we’ve all kind of lost sight of how to live within nature,” said Hoff. “I think the communities in that area, really did a phenomenal job in working with natures and understanding the stars, and how you plant.”
The exhibit opens on Sat., Oct. 16th.