Founded in 1887, the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is an internationally renowned educational and research institution dedicated to the understanding of cultural diversity and the exploration of the history of humankind. In its more than 100-year history, Penn Museum has conducted more than 400 research expeditions around the world, and collected nearly one million objects, many obtained directly through its own field excavations or anthropological research. Three gallery floors feature materials from ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Bible Lands, Mesoamerica, Asia and the ancient Mediterranean World, as well as artifacts from native peoples of the Americas, Africa and Polynesia. In addition, special exhibitions, both drawn from the Museum's own collections and brought in on loan, enrich the exhibition offerings.
Penn Museum offers a wide variety of events including concerts, dance performances, films, "World Culture" family days celebrating diverse cultures, lectures, and special symposia. Guided gallery tours begin at the Main Entrance most Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. from mid-September through mid-May. Family and individual memberships are available.
The Museum has three shops--the Museum Shop, the Second Site shop and the Pyramid Shop for children. The glass-enclosed Museum Café overlooking the Museum's inner gardens offers cafeteria-style freshly prepared meals and snacks.
The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is located on the University of Pennsylvania campus across from Franklin Field at 3260 South Street in Philadelphia. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sundays, 1 to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays, holidays and summer Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Requested admission donation is $8 adults, $5 students and senior citizens; free to Museum members, children under 6, and Penncard holders. For information, visit the Museum's website at www.museum.upenn.edu or call (215) 898-4000.
