University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
‘Exploring Cultures of the World’
The Penn Museum is located on the University of Pennsylvania’s campus, across from Franklin Field. It is one of the world’s finest archaeological and anthropological museums which boasts archaeological collections from all over the world.
History
Penn Museum, which is also known as the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, was founded in 1887.
The Museum is housed in an Arts and Crafts and eclectic, one-of-a-kind building that has been added onto throughout the years. The Museum was founded as an educational and research institution dedicated to the understanding of cultural diversity and the exploration of the history of humankind.
From the museum itself, “One-Hundred and Twenty-Five years later, the museum has sent more than 400 research expeditions around the world, collected more than a million objects, and is currently engaged in more than 75 research projects around the globe.”
Penn Museum Experience & Atmosphere
How can one describe the Penn Museum? Thought provoking exhibits at your fingertips. The museum inspires you to think about what took place during certain periods of time.
What can be found at this jewel of a museum? There are both permanent and traveling exhibits and collections of Roman, Greek, Egyptian, Asian, Islamic, and native American artifacts. Some of the main features: are the 12-ton granite Sphinx of Ramesses II, world-renowned Sumerian treasures from the royal tombs of Ur (modern day Iraq), Sumerian cuneiform clay tablets (some of the world’s oldest writing), architectural elements from the 3,200-year-old palace of the pharaoh Merenptah, and the Queen Puabi’s jewelry which is 4,500 years old.
The unique thing about the Penn Museum is that there are always specific activities taking place throughout the year. Ever wanted to spend the night in a museum with lots of history? It’s called 40 winks with the Sphinx, which includes a scavenger hunt and exploring with a flashlight. There are even workshops, tours, and much more.
The staff is very friendly and the museum is very kid friendly. There are even suggestion boxes.
The Penn Museum is a must for history buffs and the curious alike. If you love ancient Egyptian artifacts, including towering pillars from the Palace of the pharaoh Merenptah, and the third largest Sphinx outside of Egypt, you can’t miss this place. This is a great museum and should not be overlooked by those visiting Philadelphia or long-time residents.
Location
3260 South St (University City)
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Hours
Monday | Closed
Tuesday – Sunday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
First Wednesdays | 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Closed Holidays
Phone
(215) 898-4000
Web Site
- Penn Museum | Exhibits ~ click here ~ | Calendar of activities & events ~ click here ~
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pictures courtesy of Penn Museum pics
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