Mona Lisa secrets coming to Fort Smith

The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum will present "The Secrets of Mona Lisa," which is billed as a “unique exploration” of the world's most famous painting. The work will open Jan. 20 and close on March 17.

"The Secrets of Mona Lisa" features the findings of French scientific engineer and expert of fine art, Pascal Cotte.

Granted unprecedented access to the "Mona Lisa" by the French government and the Louvre Museum,Cotte studied this iconic work of art and conducted a scientific analysis that revealed dozens of secrets about history's most elusive paintings. Cotte's findings have been verified and endorsed by the Louvre Museum curators over a 2-year period.

This extraordinary exhibition showcases Cotte's studies and 25 of his most compelling revelations, illustrated by 40 super-magnified, high-resolution sectional images exploring every aspect of the work. Other highlights include the only 360-degree exact replica of the Mona Lisa ever created. Original archives memorabilia, and a giant infrared image reveal secrets of the painting never before known.

“Visitors who experience "The Secrets of Mona Lisa" are able to appreciate the beauty, complexity and mysteries of the masterpiece – an opportunity not to be missed for those who have already seen the original, those who intend to, or those who would like to know the secrets behind this world-famous iconic work. This exhibition is unique because it combines art, science, and history, and is a fascinating exploration of one of the world's most mysterious icons,” noted a statement from the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum.

The exhibition was developed by Grande Exhibitions Australia, with the assistance of Pascal Cotte of Lumiere Technologies, France. Cotte will be in Fort Smith and available for press interviews Jan. 18-20. He will present the keynote address at the museum Opening Gala and give comprehensive talks as part of museum programming.

Reservations for the "The Secrets of Mona Lisa" Jan. 19 private preview and museum Opening Gala can be made by calling (479) 784-2787.