Maya – the kingdom beneath the jungle at Moesgaard

Step into the world of the Maya

In the special exhibition ‘Maya - The Kingdom Beneath the Jungle’ at Moesgaard, you step beneath the jungle’s green canopy and back to the heyday of the Maya. Here, history unfolds through artefacts, immersive displays and new research into a civilisation that built great cities and complex societies in the heart of Mesoamerica’s tropical jungle.

For centuries, the traces of the Maya empire lay hidden beneath dense vegetation. New technologies and the deciphering of Maya hieroglyphs have since provided researchers with new insights into their world, rulers and society.

Meet the Snake Dynasty

Among other things, the exhibition tells the story of the Snake Dynasty from the great city of Calakmul. The dynasty’s rulers claimed descent from the gods and reigned over the Maya’s most powerful empire.

Follow the trail of power through hieroglyphs, temple pyramids and artefacts, and gain a deeper insight into a world where religion, rulers and everyday life were closely intertwined.

From maize fields to temple pyramids

Mayan society flourished in a landscape where maize played a crucial role. The exhibition takes you from the lush maize fields to the great cities and sky-scraping temple pyramids.

Practical information

• The special exhibition opens on 9 October 2026.
• Free parking near the museum
• Wheelchair-accessible entry to the exhibitions
• Toilets and baby-changing facilities
• Museum shop with books and souvenirs
• Close to woodland and beautiful natural surroundings
• Café serving hot and cold dishes

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Free admission for children and young people under 18 years of age