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 Mayan culture.

The Maya of Central America built magnificent palaces, pyramids and ball courts in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize between the 3rd and 10th centuries. The exhibition explained the complex calendar, gave an insight into the unique hieroglyphic script using interactive games and presented precious objects from the world of Mayan nobility. Objects from the collections of the museums of Leiden (Netherlands) and Stuttgart were on display, including painted cocoa vessels, plates and finely crafted figures.

In an interactive Wii game, children and adults were able to slip into the role of a Mayan ball player and prove their skills in this important ritual game against the backdrop of the impressive ball court at Chichén Itzá.