The Franklin Institute Builds on SCVNGR So You Can Search for Egyptian Queen


PHILADELPHIA, PA--(Marketwire - June 3, 2010) -  How can your mobile device help unlock the mysteries of the Last Queen of Egypt? Find out by doing some digging at The Franklin Institute's world premiere of the Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt, opening this Saturday, June 5. The Franklin Institute is building on SCVNGR to create historically-themed challenges throughout the museum, which can be accessed right from your mobile device!

By engaging SCVNGR on your hand-held, museum-goers will discover the depth and scope of the exciting artifacts throughout this one-of-a-kind exhibit. Find out what's left of Serapis, a statue that has been underwater for almost two thousand years, and get two points. Look for a statue of a Goddess that Cleopatra dressed as during her first meeting with Marc Antony and score another two points!

Modern day explorers that successfully complete the Cleopatra challenges will get a Franklin Institute badge, as well as full bragging rights for knowing the most about one of history's greatest figures and illustrious time periods.

"Building these challenges on SCVNGR is a great opportunity to bring cutting-edge technologies into the museum," said Dr. Frederic Bertley, Vice President of The Franklin Institute. "Whether you're a first time visitor or a dedicated Franklin Institute fan, the 'Search for Cleopatra' trek on SCVNGR will provide an interactive adventure and a unique museum experience for visitors of all ages."

Playing the 'Search for Cleopatra' trek on SCVNGR is free of charge and runs daily during museum hours. Join the fun by downloading the free SCVNGR app at either the Android Market or Apple App Store or texting CLEOPATRA to 728647. A ticket is required for museum and Cleopatra exhibition entry. For more information please contact Kat Stein at kstein@fi.edu or visit www.scvngr.com. For ticket information please visit http://www.fi.edu/cleopatra/cleo_tickets.html.

About The Franklin Institute

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic center of activity. Pennsylvania's most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu. "Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt," will run from June 5, 2010 - January 2, 2011. Organized by National Geographic and Arts and Exhibitions International, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities and the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM), the exhibition will feature about 150 artifacts and takes visitors inside the present-day search for Cleopatra, which extends from the sands of Egypt to the depths of the Bay of Aboukir near Alexandria.

About SCVNGR

SCVNGR is the game layer on top of the world. It's part game, part game platform. Playing SCVNGR is all about going places, doing challenges and earning points. SCVNGR can be played for free from any mobile phone via iPhone app, Android app. Building on SCVNGR is just as easy. Any individual or enterprise can also build on SCVNGR by adding challenges at their favorite locations. SCVNGR is funded by Google Ventures and Highland Capital Partners. Visit www.scvngr.com to learn more.

Contact Information:

Media Contacts:
LaunchSquad for SCVNGR
Mike Farber or Katie Cinnamond
Scvngr [at] launchsquad [dot] com
Boston office: 617-872-0769