December 21, 2012 was a special date: many saw the end of the world on this day, referring to the exact Mayan calendar. In fact, on this date the calendar records the end of the thirteenth 400-year cycle since the creation of the world. But did it really mean the end of the world?

The Linden Museum took this special day as an opportunity to present a small special exhibition for the whole family on the legendary culture of the Maya.

Join us on the trail of the Maya of Central America, who built grand palaces, pyramids and ball courts in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize between the 3rd and 10th centuries.

The exhibition explains the complicated calendar, gives insights into the unique hieroglyphic writing by means of interactive games and presents precious objects from the world of Mayan nobility.

On display are objects from the collections of the museums of Leiden (Netherlands) and Stuttgart, including painted cocoa vessels, plates and finely crafted figurines.

In an interactive Wii game, children and adults can take on the role of a Mayan ball player and demonstrate their skills at this important ritual game in the setting of the impressive ball court of Chichén Itzá.