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Penn Museum and its collection

Penn Museum
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The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, also known as the Penn Museum, is a renowned institution located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The museum is dedicated to the study of archaeology and anthropology, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history and diverse cultures of the world. The museum is housed in a Beaux-Arts style building and has been undergoing extensive renovations under the direction of British architect David Chipperfield since 2006.

Collections at the Penn Museum

The Penn Museum boasts a vast collection of artifacts from various regions and time periods. This includes a significant number of items from Egypt, China, and Mesopotamia, as well as artifacts from Mesoamerica, the ancient world, and pre-Columbian times. The museum also features exhibits of Buddhist art and Mayan artifacts, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of global history and culture.

Ancient Egyptian Artifacts at the Penn Museum

One of the highlights of the Penn Museum is its collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, which is considered one of the most significant worldwide. This collection includes statues, mummies, reliefs, and parts of ancient Egyptian buildings. Notably, it houses large columns and a sphinx from the palace of Pharaoh Merenptah. These artifacts provide a fascinating insight into ancient Egyptian culture and history.

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DEUniversity of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
ITMuseo di archeologia e antropologia dell'Università della Pennsylvania
FRUniversity of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
ENUniversity of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Ancient art Archaeology Ethnology Religion

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#9 History & Anthropology in Philadelphia #3 Ancient art museums in Philadelphia #2 Archaeology museums in Philadelphia #1 Ethnology museums in Philadelphia #4 Religion museums in Philadelphia #14 History & Anthropology in Pennsylvania #4 Ancient art museums in Pennsylvania #4 Archaeology museums in Pennsylvania #3 Ethnology museums in Pennsylvania #4 Religion museums in Pennsylvania #188 History & Anthropology in United States #28 Ancient art museums in United States #24 Archaeology museums in United States #25 Ethnology museums in United States #47 Religion museums in United States

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Penn Museum
South Street 3260
PA 19104 Philadelphia
Pennsylvania

Images of Penn Museum

Visitor information Penn Museum

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday
10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 17:00
Thursday
10:00 – 17:00
Friday
10:00 – 17:00
Saturday
10:00 – 17:00
Sunday
10:00 – 17:00
More opening hours

Admission

0 – 5Free
6 – 17US$13.00
18 – 64US$18.00
65+US$16.00
College StudentsUS$13.00
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Facilities

We don't have information about the facilities of Penn Museum.

Location & Map

South Street 3260, Philadelphia

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Exhibitions

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Penn Museum Reviews

Penn Museum has 2 ratings.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Penn Museum, located in Philadelphia, offers a comprehensive look at human history and culture through its extensive collection of artifacts. Visitors often praise the museum's diverse exhibits, which span various civilizations and time periods. The Egyptian and Near Eastern galleries are particularly popular, featuring impressive displays of mummies, sphinxes, and ancient artifacts. Many reviewers appreciate the museum's efforts to provide context and educational information alongside the exhibits.

    The museum's architecture, a blend of different styles reflecting its long history, adds to the overall experience. The outdoor gardens and courtyards are noted as pleasant areas for reflection or a break from indoor exploring.

    While most visitors find the museum engaging and informative, some mention that certain areas could benefit from updates or renovations. A few reviewers note that some exhibits might feel outdated compared to more modern museum presentations. However, this is often balanced by the authenticity and historical significance of the collections.

    The museum's size is generally viewed positively, offering enough content for a thorough visit without being overwhelming. Many visitors recommend allowing several hours to fully appreciate the exhibits.

    Staff knowledge and guided tours receive positive feedback, with docents praised for their expertise and ability to bring the artifacts to life through storytelling.

    Some visitors mention that the museum can be quiet at times, which is appreciated by those seeking a more contemplative experience but might be less engaging for younger children or those expecting more interactive displays.

    Overall, the Penn Museum is well-regarded for its rich collection, educational value, and the opportunity it provides to explore diverse cultures and ancient civilizations. While it may not have the flashiest presentation, its depth of content and historical significance make it a worthwhile destination for those interested in anthropology, archaeology, and world cultures.

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  • B
    barry isaac • 1 Sept 2025

    Recently,I was fortunate enough to return to Philadelphia and the Penn Museum to improve my knowledge of Ancient Chinese History from the Neolithic Period through the Tang Dynasty.I started my day studying earthenware produced as early as 2500 BCE,at the time of the Maiiayo Culture.I then continued to study artifacts produced in the Shang Neolithic Period of bronze and jade.Later on I studied artifacts related to Buddhism in China such as;Pratyra Buddha North Qi Dynasty(limestone,550-570AD),Maitrya Buddha Northern Wei Dynasty.Buddha Yuan Dynasty(271 AD,dry lacquer),Taizong Horse Relief Relief 656-649 AD.),Northern Qi Dynasty Votive Stellae limestone,and a plethora of glazed ceramic horses and camels,produced,during the period of the Tang Dynasty.,among others.I also studied artifacts related to the deity,Guanyin produced during the Tang Dynasty. The objects that I studied were located in the Asian Rotunda Section of the Penn Museum.The Penn Museum has a fine variety of Ancient Antiquities.Its Chinese Section was just one section of a very worthwhile museum.

    Visited on 19 Aug 2025

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