Penn Museum

The Basics

Take your time exploring the Penn Museum’s special exhibits as well as the signature galleries spread across three floors: the Egypt (Sphinx) gallery, the Egypt (Mummies) gallery, the Africa gallery, the Canaan and Israel gallery, the China gallery, the Etruscan Italy gallery, the Greece gallery, the Rome gallery, the Japan gallery, and the Mexico and Central America gallery. The museum is housed in an eclectic building featuring a mix of architectural styles, surrounded by gardens, fountains, and a lovely koi pond.

Museum lovers can opt for a combo pass that includes the Mütter Museum. Some city sightseeing passes include entry to the Penn Museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Penn Museum is a must for anthropology and archaeology fans.

• Guided tours are available in eight languages.

• Large backpacks, suitcases, and umbrellas must be stored at the baggage check.

• Free Wi-Fi is available.

• The museum is wheelchair-accessible, though ongoing renovations may affect routes.

• There’s an on-site café and shop.

How to Get There

Located on the University of Pennsylvania campus, the museum sits across from Franklin Field. It’s easily accessible via public transit, including SEPTA’s Regional Rail line (University City station); the Market–Frankford subway line (34th Street station); trolley routes 11, 13, 34, and 36; and buses 21, 30, 40, and 42.

When to Get There

Open Tuesday through Sunday, and closed on Monday and major public holidays, the museum hosts free public tours on weekends, as well as a wide variety of programs. Sometimes galleries close due to renovations. See the museum’s website for schedules and updates.

Highlights of the Penn Museum

Exhibition highlights include the 4,500-year-old jewelry of a Mesopotamian queen, a 3,300-year-old sphinx, and one of the world’s oldest wine vessels. Also, check out the ancient Egyptian statues of pharaohs, mummified animal and human remains, and Sumerian cuneiform tablets with some of the oldest writing in the world.