DENVER, CO.- "Stonehenge” the exhibition will open at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on Friday, March 12, featuring 400 artifacts and the breakthrough science behind some of the latest discoveries about this prehistoric monument.

Designated as a World Heritage Site and described as inspiring, magical and sacred, Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, is one of the most famous landmarks in the United Kingdom. The monument once consisted of rings and horseshoes of standing stones, some topped by horizontal “lintels.” The largest stones are around 23 feet high, nine feet wide and weigh over 50,000 pounds. Scientific analysis has revealed that some of the stones were transported an incredible distance from the Preseli Mountains in Wales, over 150 miles away, with no modern means of transportation.

“Much mystery and intrigue surrounds Stonehenge,” Erin Baxter, Denver Museum of Nature & Science curator of anthropology said. “This world-class exhibition allows guests to explore and experience all of those questions and encounter the very latest in scientific research.”

“Stonehenge” the exhibition presents original artifacts and the latest scientific research to answer questions about this iconic monument. Guests will explore the ancient landscape; how people of the area lived; how the monument was constructed and changed through time; and how modern science continues to refine the story. Stonehenge is one of the best known ancient monuments and celebrated wonders of the world.

“We’re fortunate to bring this world-class exhibition to Denver and share its wonder with the Colorado community and beyond,” George Sparks, Denver Museum of Nature & Science president & CEO said. “What is truly remarkable is the depth of knowledge we now have regarding what the silent and massive stones tell us. With the use of cutting edge technology, we now have answers to questions that have mystified for literally thousands of years. We can’t wait to share this fantastic journey through ancient mysteries and modern discoveries with our guests.”

Scholars and visitors alike have puzzled over this unique prehistoric monument for centuries. Thanks to the latest scientific research, archaeologists believe Stonehenge was constructed from 3000 BCE to 2000 BCE.

The exhibition is curated by Mike Parker Pearson, professor of British Later Prehistory at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London. He is also a Fellow of the British Academy and has published 22 books and over 200 academic articles. Since the 1970s, he has worked on archaeological sites in Britain, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Syria, the United States, Madagascar, Easter Island and others around the world. He has been directing research on Stonehenge since 2003 and was voted the UK’s Archaeologist of the Year in 2010.