May 24, 2003, Von Daniken opened his new theme park called Mysteries of the World. Eric A. Powell, associate editor of Archaeology magazine, has written an article on this Theme Park of the Gods that celebrates ancient achievements as the handiwork of aliens in the January/ February 2004 issue. In an interview with Powell, opening week at the park, von Daniken was asked what he thinks the park can do to educate the public about archaeology. He dodges the question by says his goal in creating the park, "was to raise awareness of all the unsolved 'mysteries of the world.'" Later Powell puts the question to K. L. Feder, who was also present during the park's opening. Feder replied wearily. "I get asked this a lot. And you know, I don't think it matters much at this point. It's been thirty years [since Chariots of the Gods?]-- he probably doesn't know himself. The much more interesting question is, Why do people believe it?" (Archaeology Jan/Feb 2004).
Today, the irritation continues, von Daniken is working on a film for IMAX called World of Mysteries and is looking for investors. |
