A MUSEUM exhibit in Montreal opened this week showcasing on-screen archaeological discoveries of Hollywood's fictional adventurer Indiana Jones.

Presented by the National Geographic Society with the support of Lucasfilm, 'Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology: The Exhibition' takes visitors on a virtual tour of sites depicted in the series of adventure movies.

It aims to shed light on such historical myths as the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail, sought in the films by the title character played by American actor Harrison Ford.

Showcased are a collection of props and film footage from Lucasfilm archives and ancient artefacts on loan from the National Geographic Society and the Penn Museum, including gold graveyard relics from the Ur dynasty of ancient Mesopotamia and the oldest known map of the world.

'We learn a lot about archaeology and at the same time it's romantic, unbridled, which is interesting,' said Ms Monique, 61, who attended the exhibit opening on Thursday with her grandson.

The exhibit is expected to attract thousands over the summer months, before packing up on Sept 18 and touring Europe and Asia.

Source: AFP [April 29, 2011]