Mexico

The New Penn Museum: Thousands of Years in the Making

Do you know how to read ancient Hieroglyphs? You can learn how at the new Penn Museum starting this weekend.

The Penn Museum took great lengths to move its prized possession into a more focal position at the museum this summer. The 13-ton red granite Egyptian Sphinx now sits in the museum’s main hall. Take a look at the museum’s unofficial mascot. 

Be the first to see hundreds of never-before-seen artifacts and check out two new galleries, Africa and Mexico & Central America, arriving just in time for the museum's reopening.

Opening weekend at the new Penn Museum kicks off November 16th where visitors will be able to tour the brand new, re-imagined space, including the Central America and Mexico Galleries. Philly Live takes a preview tour.

The Penn Museum Opening Weekend Celebration will take place Nov. 16 and 17 and feature plenty to do for people of all ages. From learning to write hieroglyphics to listening to ancient tales and meeting the artists, here are some things to do this weekend at the grand opening:

Saturday, Nov. 16

10:30 a.m.: Maya AWAL Marimba Performance and Deer Dance

11:30 a.m.: Storytime with Keepers of the Culture

1:15 p.m.: Learn to Write Hieroglyphs

1:30 p.m.: Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble Interactive Performance

2:00 p.m.: Learn to Write Maya Glyphs

3:00 p.m.: Artifact Lab

There is also Maya Glyph and African Pattern stamping going on all day.

The re-imagined Africa Galleries at the new Penn Museum tells the story of the beginning of Humanity and Africa’s role. 

To get your tickets for opening day, visit Penn Museum's ticketing site.

Another tip, the University of Pennsylvania Health System announced that the Penn Museum is now part of its cultural passport program. That means patients of its health care facilities can receive free admission to the museum.

The new Penn Museum in University City celebrated its upcoming opening with an unforgettable party. Philly Live’s Aunyea Lachelle has a recap of the best moments from Saturday night’s ‘golden’ event.
NBC10’s Sheila Watko takes you inside the newly renovated Harrison auditorium at the Penn Museum that opens Saturday, Nov. 16 in University City.
Contact Us