The blockbuster King Tut exhibition comes in out of the cold, opening Feb. 18 at the Science Museum of Minnesota. While it perhaps tops the pyramid of things do next weekend in the Twin Cities, there are legions of diversions to tempt travelers.
Exhibitions: While the Boy King himself didn’t make the trip, more than 100 authentic artifacts did. See the golden sandals that shod his feet, and the canopic jar that cradled his internal organs. Suspend disbelief for a bit and lose yourself in the tale of Howard carter’s discovery of Tut’s tomb in 1922. Advance reservations (800-221-9444) are strongly recommended. Adult admission to King Tut, the museum, the film Mummies at the Omnitheater, and an audio tour can be had for $43.
Shows: Canopic jars not your cup of Tut? Find comfort in the Minnesota Home & Patio Show. It’s going on Feb. 17 through 20 at Saint Paul’s RiverCentre. 400 exhibits open up options on remodeling, energy conservation, gardening and such. Adult admission is $9. Minnesotans are nothing if not optimistic. Looking forward to a time when the landscape is golf-green rather than snow-white, the Minneapolis Convention center tees up the Minnesota Golf Show next weekend. Adult admission is $10, and the show is giving away eight free rounds of golf with every ticket purchased.
Theater: Appropriately enough, Minneapolis’ renowned Guthrie Theater presents The Winter’s Tale through March 27. In the Guthrie’s production, ball gowns meet bluegrass in a blend of two decidedly different worlds. Jonathan Munby directs. His credits include Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in London. 612-377-2224 for seats.
Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963 plays through Feb. 27 at Saint Paul’s Stepping Stone Theater. The production centers one of the most tragic, galvanizing days of the Civil Rights Movement – on four little girls who attended Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church. Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, Cynthia Wesley and Addie Mae Collins died in the bombing of the church.
Music: Might bagpipes blow the snow away? Figuratively perhaps, if not literally. Come find out Feb. 19 and 20 at Saint Paul’s Landmark Center. A Scottish Ramble features pipers, kilts, dance competition and the like. Admission is $3 to $5.
Sports: If the music doesn’t get your blood boiling maybe an NHL hockey game will. Feb. 20 the hometown Minnesota Wild take on the Detroit Red Wings at Xcel Energy Center.
Shopping: Bloomington is home to Mall of America, the largest shopping center in the country. It’s warm, welcoming, and suffused with places to shop. Ramada Mall of America is running a Shop ‘til You Drop package the weekend of Feb. 19. How much you derive from the deal depends somewhat on much shopping you do. That’s because the package comes with a Mall of America coupon book, replete with some $1,200 in values. $187.41—taxes included—gets two adults a standard room for one night, a $50 Visa gift card, the coupon book, a couple of drinks in the Boulevard Pub, and breakfast for two at the Boulevard Café. The hotel offers free shuttle service to the mall.
Story by Jerry Chandler
