The story of Cleopatra has survived for thousands of years, despite the fact that her body and most of her possessions vanished shortly after her death. People have long been fascinated by Cleopatra's ascension to the throne in Egypt, her relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and her tragic suicide.

"Cleopatra: the Search for the Last Queen of Egypt," a new exhibit at Philadelphia's Franklin Institute, opens a window into her story and described the modern-day search for clues to her life. Numerous artifacts from Cleopatra's Egypt are on display for the first time. The exhibit will also feature an audio tour and a scavenger hunt.

With the debut of the exhibit, the public will gain access to the few remaining tangible pieces of Cleopatra's life. Many of Cleopatra's personal belongings have long since been destroyed.

"Very little of her possessions exist because of political upheaval following the suicides of Antony and Cleopatra," said Cara Schneider of visitphilly.com.

The artifacts on display come from "underwater excavations, which began less than 20 years ago" into Cleopatra's royal palace near Alexandria, said Schneider. Other artifacts were discovered in a desert tomb. Schneider said that visitors can expect to see two 16-foot statues of a king and queen from the Ptolemaic era, as well as a parchment containing a note believed to be in Queen Cleopatra's own hand.

Similarly themed exhibitions and events will open across Philadelphia:

•At the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, visitors can navigate a self-guided tour titled "Land of the Pharaohs." The museum boasts the world's third-largest sphinx, as well as "Amarna: Ancient Egypt's Place in the Sun," an exhibit that highlights the boy king Tutankhamen's hometown.

•Cleopatra was not only a strong ruler, but also a lover of beauty and fashion. In honor of her passion for jewelry and cosmetics, the Philadelphia Museum of Art's Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building will exhibit necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings from North Africa, while Longwood Gardens will feature an exhibit called "Making Scents: The Art and Passion of Fragrance."

•Museum-goers will be able to immerse themselves in the culture and history of Egypt. Corresponding with the exhibit's debut is a regional celebration of all things Egypt. Local restaurants will feature Egypt-themed menus and area hotels are offering packages to out-of-town Cleopatra enthusiasts. Visitors can purchase tickets and learn more about restaurant and hotel offerings by going to visitphilly.com/cleopatra.