University of Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
add photosThe University of Pennsylvania's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology captures the interesting and curious aspects of antiquity.
4 Reviews for University of Penn Museum of Archaeology and An...
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1 family found this helpful
"Wow! What an Amazing Collection! Take the Older Kids"
Ever since I was in 6th grade and we studied ancient Egypt, I have wanted to check out the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Pennsylvania.
We headed there on a rainy afternoon to see what all the hype was about.
The hype was right- it was an amazing collection- very impressive. Unfortunately Lily Bean was a real crank master for much of the trip (stopping the tantrum briefly to scream excitedly at a display of Egyptian cat statues). We didn't get to read much of the information accompanying the artifacts, but vowed to return when Lily Bean is old enough to read. (She was 18 months old during this visit).
The museum is much bigger than it looks from the outside. There are rooms and halls and then more rooms just filled with all sorts of ancient treasures.
There is a gift shop, cafe and even a small cafeteria.
We saved some money on admission by using a BOGO free admission coupon from the Entertainment Book. Lily was free. Total cost was $10. Parking was $15 but we were able to get it validated inside the museum, so we paid $8.
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"A Hidden Treasure in Philly "
Best for kids 6 and up, the Penn Archaeology Museum is one of those hidden gems in Philadelphia. If your kids are into Indiana Jones or like treasure hunting, the Penn Museum is sure to be a hit. You'll find King Tut artifacts, mummies, sphinxs, and interesting materials from different parts of the world through different time periods.
My two-year old's favorite exhibits were the interactive map in the Worlds Intertwined section and the statues and objects in the Lower Egyptian Gallery from the age of Amarna (including the famous King Tut).
The museum also has a program calendar for kids that's worth your attention. There are two Free Sunday Tours available twice a month - one for preschoolers and one for kids ages 6-10 as well as drawing sessions. Check the calendar for exact dates. There are also lots of special events like the annual Harry Potter Day (this year on November 22, 2009 from 11am-4pm) and the museum's 40 Winks under the Sphinx (a sleep-over program for kids 6-12). Be sure to check out what's coming up next. Can't wait for my little guy to grow up and take him here for an overnight adventure through the mysteries of the world.
PARKING - The parking lot for the museum is often full due to the traffic for the Penn hospitals. We ended up street parking on Walnut and 34th. Be sure to fill up the meter to give yourselves plenty of time at the museum.
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This review is based on a complimentary press pass from the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Board.
0 families found this helpful
"Something different to see"
This museum is affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. They have a wide variety of exhibits that cover interesting archeological finds all over the world. Not as well known as some of the other Philly museums, it's still worth seeing. Educational, but don't tell the kids.
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"Treasure trove for budding archaeologists!"
The University of Pennsylvania Museum is a treasure trove for your budding archaeologist or anyone interested in sphinxes, mummies, African sculpture, or ancient Mayan, Greek, or Polynesian culture. The three floors of this museum are loaded with a wealth of artifacts unearthed by the University of Pennsylvania Museum’s own world-renowned archaeological and ethnographic expeditions.
Kids will be awestruck by the genuine Sphinx of Ramesses II, weighing in at twelve tons of solid granite. They will be mystified, and perhaps a little unnerved, bythe real mummies. The huge Chinese crystal ball is a favorite with our kids. Other on going exhibits include Raven’s Journey: World of Alaska’s Native People.
The annual Chinese New Year celebration and the Celebration of African Cultures, both popular family events, are held in winter. Please note that while the large marble halls keep pretty cool, the building is only partially air-conditioned. The Cafe offers a kid-friendly multicultural menu, especially on weekends. The Pyramid Gift Shop has educational and inexpensive items for children. Wheelchair accessible, with diapering facilities in some bathrooms.
Also on the Penn campus, kids might enjoy a look at College Hall, one of two Philadelphia structures reputed to be a model for the Addams Family house. (Charles Addams went to Penn and was well acquainted with this building. The other candidateis the Ebeneezer Maxwell Mansion in Chestnut Hill.) There are also some interesting sculptures on this campus, such as Claes Oldenburg’s oversized button and the statue of Benjamin Franklin.
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