The University of Pennsylvania Museum
The University of Pennsylvania Museum
Founded in 1887, it is host to over a million objects at the University of Pennsylvania Museum, one of the world's finest archaeological/anthropological museums. Over 350 worldwide scientific expeditions, that brought back most of the artifacts there, including Sumerian cuneiform clay tablets, Egyptian mummies, a crystal ball once owned by China's Dowager Empress, an Apache teepee, and 4,500-year-old jewelry from the Royal Cemetery at Ur (in modern-day Iraq).
The classical galleries of Greek, Etruscan and Roman treasures has just reopened after a $3 million renovation; other distinguished galleries cover ancient Canaan and Israel, Egypt, Africa, Buddhism, native Alaskans, and Polynesia.
Perhaps it is fitting that America's oldest university should be home to the country's finest archaeological collection. The museum's three floors of galleries, displaying tightly-packed cases of classical artifacts to the spacious Chinese rotunda, give enough to hold the interest of visitors of all ages.
The museum is dedicated to bringing about a better understanding of the history and cultural heritage of humankind, through research, educational services, and the collection and care of material culture.
They provide programs for adults throughout the year, including lectures, symposia, workshops, demonstrations, films, and concerts. World culture day celebrations and children's workshops are held throughout the year.
Helpful information for the visitor:
Still photography is permitted for private non-commercial use except where otherwise posted. Photographs cannot be published, sold, reproduced, transferred, distributed or otherwise commercially exploited in any way. Video cameras and tripods are not permitted in any gallery.
Admission:
$8.00 adults
$5.00 seniors citizens over 62 and children 6 to 17
Free for museum members, children under 6, and PENNcard holders.
Hours:
Tuesday through Saturday 10a.m. to 4:30p.m.
Sunday 1 to 5p.m.
Closed summer Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day
