Jump to content

Penn Museum: Difference between revisions

From Philadelphia.Wiki
VisualWikitext
Gritty (talk | contribs)
1,361 edits
Automated upload via Philadelphia.Wiki content pipeline
 
Gritty (talk | contribs)
1,361 edits
Automated upload via Philadelphia.Wiki content pipeline
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox Museum
{{Infobox Museum
| name = Penn Museum
| name = Penn Museum
| image =
| image_caption = Penn Museum at the University of Pennsylvania
| type = Archaeology and anthropology museum
| type = Archaeology and anthropology museum
| address = 3260 South Street
| address = 3260 South Street
| neighborhood = University City
| neighborhood = University City
| coordinates = 39.9491,-75.1912
| phone = (215) 898-4000
| phone = (215) 898-4000
| website = https://penn.museum
| website = https://www.penn.museum
| established = 1887
| established = 1887
| founder = University of Pennsylvania
| founder = University of Pennsylvania
| collection_size = 1,000,000+ objects
| director = Christopher Woods
| annual_visitors = 250,000+
| collections = 1+ million objects from around the world
| admission = $18 adults, $16 students, free for Penn affiliates
| visitors = 200,000+ annually
| hours = Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mondays
| hours = Tue-Sun 10 AM - 5 PM
| public_transit = SEPTA trolley 34, 36; bus 21, 42
| architect = Wilson Eyre, Cope and Stewardson (original buildings)
}}
}}


The '''Penn Museum''' (formally the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology) is one of the world's great archaeology museums, located in [[University City]] on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. With over one million objects from excavations on every inhabited continent, the museum holds treasures from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Mesoamerica, and cultures worldwide.<ref name="penn-about">{{cite web |url=https://www.penn.museum/about |title=About the Penn Museum |publisher=Penn Museum |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>
'''The Penn Museum''' (formally the '''University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology''') is one of the world's great archaeology and anthropology museums, located on the campus of the [[University of Pennsylvania]] in [[University City, Philadelphia|University City]]. The museum's collections include over one million objects spanning 4,000 years of human history and representing cultures from every inhabited continent. Its extensive galleries feature ancient Egyptian mummies, Mesopotamian treasures from the royal tombs of Ur, monumental Chinese sculptures, and Maya artifacts.<ref name="penn">{{cite web |url=https://www.penn.museum/about-the-museum |title=About the Museum |publisher=Penn Museum |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>
 
Founded in '''1887''', the Penn Museum has sponsored over 400 archaeological and anthropological expeditions and maintains active research programs around the world. The museum's massive rotunda building, constructed between 1893 and 1929, is an architectural landmark housing galleries that transport visitors from ancient Egypt to imperial China to pre-Columbian America.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/penn-museum/ |title=Penn Museum |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==


The Penn Museum was founded in 1887 following the University of Pennsylvania's excavations at Nippur in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq). These digs unearthed thousands of cuneiform tablets and established Penn as a leader in archaeological fieldwork.
=== Founding ===
 
The museum was founded in '''1887''' to house objects from the University of Pennsylvania's first archaeological expedition to Nippur in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). The expedition was one of the first American archaeological projects in the Middle East.
 
=== Building ===
 
The museum building was designed by architects Wilson Eyre, Cope & Stewardson, and Frank Miles Day. Construction occurred in phases:
* '''1899:''' First section opened
* '''1915:''' Main rotunda completed
* '''1929:''' Final wing completed
* '''2019:''' Major gallery renovations completed
 
=== Archaeological Expeditions ===
 
The Penn Museum has sponsored expeditions to:
* '''Mesopotamia:''' Nippur, Ur, Beth Shean
* '''Egypt:''' Memphis, Abydos
* '''Central America:''' Tikal, Piedras Negras
* '''Asia:''' China, Japan, Southeast Asia
* '''Africa:''' Ethiopia, Nigeria
 
These expeditions built the museum's extraordinary collections.
 
== Collections ==
 
=== Egyptian Gallery ===
 
Major Egyptian holdings include:
* '''Mummies:''' Multiple Egyptian mummies on display
* '''The Sphinx:''' 15-ton granite sphinx from Memphis
* '''Artifacts:''' Funerary objects, jewelry, sculptures
* '''Monumental Art:''' Columns, architectural elements


For over a century, Penn-sponsored expeditions have excavated sites across the world:
=== Middle East Galleries ===


* '''Mesopotamia''' — Nippur, Ur (with the British Museum)
Treasures from ancient Mesopotamia:
* '''Egypt''' — Memphis, Dendara
* '''Royal Tombs of Ur:''' Gold jewelry, musical instruments, gaming boards
* '''Mesoamerica''' — Tikal (Guatemala), Copan (Honduras)
* '''Cuneiform Tablets:''' Thousands of ancient texts
* '''Asia''' — China, Japan, Philippines
* '''Sculptures:''' Assyrian and Babylonian art
* '''Africa''' — Various sites


The museum's buildings, designed by Wilson Eyre and Cope and Stewardson, were constructed in stages beginning in 1899. A major renovation completed in 2019 updated galleries and created a new main entrance.
=== Africa Galleries ===


== Collection ==
Collections representing African cultures:
* Benin bronze sculptures
* Ethiopian art
* Traditional crafts and textiles
* Contemporary African art


=== Ancient Egypt ===
=== Asian Galleries ===


The Egypt galleries feature:
Art and artifacts from across Asia:
* '''China:''' Monumental sculpture, ceramics
* '''Japan:''' Armor, prints, decorative arts
* '''South and Southeast Asia:''' Buddhist and Hindu sculpture


* '''The Sphinx of Ramesses II''' — A 12-ton granite sphinx, the largest sphinx in the Western Hemisphere
=== American Galleries ===
* '''Mummies and sarcophagi*** — Human and animal mummies
* '''Temple of Merenptah*** — Architectural elements from a pharaoh's mortuary temple
* '''Daily life artifacts''' — Jewelry, cosmetics, tools, and household objects


=== Mesopotamia ===
Pre-Columbian and Native American collections:
* Maya stelae and monuments
* Aztec and Zapotec artifacts
* North American indigenous art
* Ancient Peruvian textiles


The museum's Iraq collections are among the finest outside the Middle East:
=== The Rotunda ===


* '''Cuneiform tablets''' — Thousands of clay tablets with some of the world's earliest writing
The museum's magnificent central rotunda features a soaring domed space often used for special exhibitions and events.
* '''Royal Cemetery of Ur''' — Gold jewelry, lyres, and objects from 2600 BCE
* '''Queen Puabi's headdress''' — Elaborate gold headdress from a royal tomb


=== The Americas ===
== Visiting the Penn Museum ==


* '''Maya artifacts''' — Stelae, ceramics, and jade from Tikal and Copan
=== Hours ===
* '''Aztec and Olmec objects*** — Mesoamerican sculptures
* '''North American collections''' — Native American art and artifacts


=== Asia ===
* '''Tuesday-Sunday:''' 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* '''Closed:''' Monday (except holiday Mondays)
* Closed major holidays


* '''Chinese gallery''' — Crystal ball (world's largest quartz sphere), Buddhist sculptures
=== Admission ===
* '''Japanese collections*** — Armor, ceramics, prints


=== Africa ===
* '''Adults:''' Approximately $18 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Seniors:''' Discounted rates
* '''Students with ID:''' Discounted rates
* '''Children (6 and under):''' Free
* '''Penn students/faculty:''' Free


* '''African galleries''' — Art and artifacts from across the continent
=== Tips ===
* '''Benin bronzes''' — (Subject of ongoing repatriation discussions)


== Major Galleries ==
* Allow 2-3 hours for a full visit
* The Egyptian galleries and mummies are highlights
* Rent an audio guide for deeper context
* The museum café is in the beautiful Harrison Rotunda
* Check website for current special exhibitions
* Good for older children and adults


* '''Egypt (Sphinx) Gallery''' — Dominated by the massive sphinx
=== Getting There ===
* '''Middle East Galleries''' — Mesopotamia, Iran, Israel
* '''Mexico and Central America Gallery*** — Maya and Aztec civilizations
* '''Africa Galleries''' — Continent-wide collections
* '''Asia Galleries''' — China, Japan, Korea


== Visiting ==
* '''SEPTA Trolley:''' Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, 36 (33rd Street stop)
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 21, 30, 42
* '''LUCY:''' University City shuttle
* '''Amtrak/SEPTA Regional Rail:''' 30th Street Station (15-minute walk)
* '''Parking:''' Penn parking garages nearby


{| class="wikitable"
=== Location ===
|-
! Detail !! Information
|-
| '''Hours''' || Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mondays
|-
| '''Admission''' || $18 adults, $16 seniors/students, free for children under 6
|-
| '''Address''' || 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
|-
| '''Best for''' || History enthusiasts, families, students
|-
| '''Time needed''' || 2-3 hours
|}


=== Free Admission ===
Located at 33rd and Spruce Streets on the University of Pennsylvania campus in University City, west of Center City Philadelphia.


* First Sunday of every month
=== Nearby Attractions ===
* Penn students, faculty, staff (with ID)
* Children under 6


== Getting There ==
* [[University of Pennsylvania]] (surrounding)
* [[Institute of Contemporary Art]] (10-minute walk)
* [[30th Street Station]] (15-minute walk)
* [[University City, Philadelphia]]


* '''SEPTA Trolley''' — Routes 34, 36 to 33rd Street
== Research and Scholarship ==
* '''SEPTA Bus''' — Routes 21, 42
* '''Walking''' — 10 minutes from 30th Street Station
* '''Parking''' — Penn parking garages nearby


== Frequently Asked Questions ==
=== Academic Programs ===


{{FAQ
The museum is an active research institution:
|q1=What is the Penn Museum's most famous artifact?
* Graduate programs in archaeology and anthropology
|a1=The most iconic object is the 12-ton Sphinx of Ramesses II, the largest sphinx in the Western Hemisphere. Other treasures include Queen Puabi's gold headdress from ancient Ur and the world's largest quartz crystal ball.
* Ongoing excavations worldwide
* Publication of scholarly journals
* Conservation and preservation programs


|q2=Is the Penn Museum the same as Penn?
=== Continuing Expeditions ===
|a2=Yes, the Penn Museum is part of the University of Pennsylvania. It was founded by the university in 1887 and remains a working research institution. Penn students, faculty, and staff receive free admission.


|q3=How long does it take to see the Penn Museum?
The museum continues to sponsor archaeological research in:
|a3=Plan 2-3 hours to see the major galleries. The museum is large, with extensive collections from Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Guided tours and audio guides are available.
* Turkey
* Italy
* Jordan
* Belize
* And other locations


|q4=Is the Penn Museum good for kids?
=== Archives and Libraries ===
|a4=Yes, the museum is family-friendly with hands-on activities and engaging exhibits like the sphinx and mummies. The "Artifact Lab" lets visitors watch conservators work on real objects. Programs for children are offered regularly.
 
}}
* Extensive photo and document archives
* Specialized research library
* Access for scholars and researchers


== See Also ==
== See Also ==


* [[University City]]
* [[University of Pennsylvania]]
* [[University of Pennsylvania]]
* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]]
* [[University City, Philadelphia]]
* [[Academy of Natural Sciences]]
* [[Archaeology in Philadelphia]]
* [[Institute of Contemporary Art]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 133: Line 171:
== External Links ==
== External Links ==


* [https://penn.museum Official Website]
* [https://www.penn.museum Penn Museum Official Website]
* [https://penn.museum/collections Explore the Collection Online]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/penn-museum/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Penn Museum - World-Class Archaeology Museum in Philadelphia
|title=Penn Museum Philadelphia - Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and World Cultures
|description=The Penn Museum houses over 1 million archaeological objects including a 12-ton sphinx, treasures from ancient Ur, and Maya artifacts. Part of the University of Pennsylvania.
|description=Visit the Penn Museum, one of the world's great archaeology museums. Egyptian mummies, treasures from Ur, Maya monuments, and over one million artifacts at the University of Pennsylvania.
|keywords=Penn Museum, archaeology museum Philadelphia, sphinx, ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Maya artifacts, University of Pennsylvania, University City
|keywords=Penn Museum, University of Pennsylvania Museum, Egyptian mummies Philadelphia, archaeology museum, Mesopotamia artifacts, Maya art, ancient history museum, University City Philadelphia
|type=Article
|type=Article
}}
}}
Line 146: Line 184:
[[Category:University City]]
[[Category:University City]]
[[Category:University of Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:University of Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Archaeology]]
[[Category:Archaeology]]

Latest revision as of 21:09, 30 December 2025

Penn Museum



TypeArchaeology and anthropology museum
Address3260 South Street
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodUniversity City
Phone(215) 898-4000
WebsiteOfficial site
Established1887
FounderUniversity of Pennsylvania
DirectorChristopher Woods
HoursTue-Sun 10 AM - 5 PM
Penn Museum(215) 898-40003260 South StreetPhiladelphiaPAUS

The Penn Museum (formally the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology) is one of the world's great archaeology and anthropology museums, located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in University City. The museum's collections include over one million objects spanning 4,000 years of human history and representing cultures from every inhabited continent. Its extensive galleries feature ancient Egyptian mummies, Mesopotamian treasures from the royal tombs of Ur, monumental Chinese sculptures, and Maya artifacts.[1]

Founded in 1887, the Penn Museum has sponsored over 400 archaeological and anthropological expeditions and maintains active research programs around the world. The museum's massive rotunda building, constructed between 1893 and 1929, is an architectural landmark housing galleries that transport visitors from ancient Egypt to imperial China to pre-Columbian America.[2]

History

[edit | edit source]

Founding

[edit | edit source]

The museum was founded in 1887 to house objects from the University of Pennsylvania's first archaeological expedition to Nippur in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). The expedition was one of the first American archaeological projects in the Middle East.

Building

[edit | edit source]

The museum building was designed by architects Wilson Eyre, Cope & Stewardson, and Frank Miles Day. Construction occurred in phases:

  • 1899: First section opened
  • 1915: Main rotunda completed
  • 1929: Final wing completed
  • 2019: Major gallery renovations completed

Archaeological Expeditions

[edit | edit source]

The Penn Museum has sponsored expeditions to:

  • Mesopotamia: Nippur, Ur, Beth Shean
  • Egypt: Memphis, Abydos
  • Central America: Tikal, Piedras Negras
  • Asia: China, Japan, Southeast Asia
  • Africa: Ethiopia, Nigeria

These expeditions built the museum's extraordinary collections.

Collections

[edit | edit source]
[edit | edit source]

Major Egyptian holdings include:

  • Mummies: Multiple Egyptian mummies on display
  • The Sphinx: 15-ton granite sphinx from Memphis
  • Artifacts: Funerary objects, jewelry, sculptures
  • Monumental Art: Columns, architectural elements

Middle East Galleries

[edit | edit source]

Treasures from ancient Mesopotamia:

  • Royal Tombs of Ur: Gold jewelry, musical instruments, gaming boards
  • Cuneiform Tablets: Thousands of ancient texts
  • Sculptures: Assyrian and Babylonian art

Africa Galleries

[edit | edit source]

Collections representing African cultures:

  • Benin bronze sculptures
  • Ethiopian art
  • Traditional crafts and textiles
  • Contemporary African art

Asian Galleries

[edit | edit source]

Art and artifacts from across Asia:

  • China: Monumental sculpture, ceramics
  • Japan: Armor, prints, decorative arts
  • South and Southeast Asia: Buddhist and Hindu sculpture

American Galleries

[edit | edit source]

Pre-Columbian and Native American collections:

  • Maya stelae and monuments
  • Aztec and Zapotec artifacts
  • North American indigenous art
  • Ancient Peruvian textiles

The Rotunda

[edit | edit source]

The museum's magnificent central rotunda features a soaring domed space often used for special exhibitions and events.

Visiting the Penn Museum

[edit | edit source]

Hours

[edit | edit source]
  • Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Closed: Monday (except holiday Mondays)
  • Closed major holidays

Admission

[edit | edit source]
  • Adults: Approximately $18 (check website for current pricing)
  • Seniors: Discounted rates
  • Students with ID: Discounted rates
  • Children (6 and under): Free
  • Penn students/faculty: Free

Tips

[edit | edit source]
  • Allow 2-3 hours for a full visit
  • The Egyptian galleries and mummies are highlights
  • Rent an audio guide for deeper context
  • The museum café is in the beautiful Harrison Rotunda
  • Check website for current special exhibitions
  • Good for older children and adults

Getting There

[edit | edit source]
  • SEPTA Trolley: Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, 36 (33rd Street stop)
  • SEPTA Bus: Routes 21, 30, 42
  • LUCY: University City shuttle
  • Amtrak/SEPTA Regional Rail: 30th Street Station (15-minute walk)
  • Parking: Penn parking garages nearby

Location

[edit | edit source]

Located at 33rd and Spruce Streets on the University of Pennsylvania campus in University City, west of Center City Philadelphia.

Nearby Attractions

[edit | edit source]

Research and Scholarship

[edit | edit source]

Academic Programs

[edit | edit source]

The museum is an active research institution:

  • Graduate programs in archaeology and anthropology
  • Ongoing excavations worldwide
  • Publication of scholarly journals
  • Conservation and preservation programs

Continuing Expeditions

[edit | edit source]

The museum continues to sponsor archaeological research in:

  • Turkey
  • Italy
  • Jordan
  • Belize
  • And other locations

Archives and Libraries

[edit | edit source]
  • Extensive photo and document archives
  • Specialized research library
  • Access for scholars and researchers

See Also

[edit | edit source]

References

[edit | edit source]
  1. ↑ "About the Museum". Penn Museum. Retrieved December 30, 2025
  2. ↑ "Penn Museum". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025
[edit | edit source]
Retrieved from "https://philadelphia.wiki/index.php?title=Penn_Museum&oldid=948"