It’s not every day you get to visit ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, China, and Japan, all in one day. However, the is one place in Philadelphia where you can do all that, and more! The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (a.k.a. The Penn Museum) is full of so many ancient artifacts, statues, and sculptures, you really get a good feel for how life was during those ancient times.
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Penn Museum Location and Admission
Located at 3260 South Street in Philadelphia, the Penn Museum is directly across the street from the historic Franklin Field. A dedicated parking garage is next door to the museum at 1 Convention Avenue, easily accessible from I-76 (the Schuylkill Expressway).
Admission to the museum ranges from $10-$15 per person, however active and veteran US Military and children under five are FREE. If you live in the Philadelphia area, check with your local library to see if they have complimentary passes to the museum.
The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday. However, it is closed most major holidays. Check the museum hours prior to visiting.
The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is one of the location included in the Philadelphia Sightseeing Pass. Consider purchasing one before your next visit to Philadelphia to save up to 50%!
The Penn Museum Collection
Greek and Roman Artifacts
The Penn Museum has an extensive collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan artifacts. One of our favorite displays was a Roman house. The model replication showed what life would have been like for a wealthier Roman, including a small bath in the open courtyard.
Hand tools, eating utensils and dishes, jewelry, art, and many more items, can be found here. It is fun for the kids to learn that even though these items are thousands of years old, they are not unlike the modern items we use today!
Ancient Egypt
The Penn Museum is well known for its collection of Egyptian artifacts, including a Sphinx! Sadly, the main Egyptian exhibit was under renovation while we were there, but we were still able to visit the smaller exhibit area and view some beautiful sculptures and tombs.
In a smaller, attached room, we were able to learn about the process of mummification, and pay our respects to those that had passed away thousands of years ago.
Chinese and Japanese History
The Penn Museum has a large display of ancient Chinese and Japanese artifacts. This rotunda room has numerous beautiful sculptures and tapestries along the walls. You can’t miss the ancient dogs that guard the entrance way!
One of our favorites was the crystal sphere named “The Empress Dowager”, which was purchased from the Fine Arts department of the Wanamaker Department Store in Philadelphia, PA. It is the third largest crystal sphere in the world!
What Do You Think About the Penn Museum?
Are you and your family interested in anthropology and archaeology? Our Wild Kids really enjoyed the museum. I think the Ancient Egyptian section was everyone’s favorite! We can’t wait to return to see the newly refurbished Egyptian section.
Don’t forget to visit some of Philadelphia’s other world-class museums! The Academy of Natural Sciences is a great way to continue the archaeology theme.
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