Penn Museum

Description

Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite spots in Philadelphia – the Penn Museum. Y’know, I’ve been lucky enough to visit dozens of museums across the country, but there’s something special about this place. The massive Chinese rotunda literally made my jaw drop the first time I walked in! The architecture alone is worth the trip, with its gorgeous blend of Victorian and Chinese elements that somehow work perfectly together.

Inside, you’ll find yourself wandering through incredible collections spanning pretty much all of human history. I particularly love their Egyptian collection – and trust me, I’m not just saying that because I went through an intense Egypt phase as a kid (though I totally did). They’ve got real mummies, these amazingly detailed hieroglyphics, and even this massive 12-ton sphinx that’ll stop you in your tracks. It’s actually the largest sphinx in the Western hemisphere!

But what really gets me excited is their Mediterranean section. The ancient Greek and Roman artifacts are just *chef’s kiss*. And don’t even get me started on their Mesopotamian gallery – some of these pieces are over 4,500 years old! Can you imagine?

Key Features

• Massive Chinese Rotunda with traditional architectural elements
• Egyptian Gallery featuring mummies and the largest sphinx in North America
• Extensive Mediterranean collection with Greek and Roman artifacts
• Mesopotamian Gallery housing some of the oldest pieces in North America
• Interactive touch screens and digital displays throughout exhibits
• Regular special exhibitions that rotate throughout the year
• Archaeological teaching labs where you can sometimes catch researchers at work
• Children’s educational space with hands-on activities
• Beautiful gardens with ancient Roman and Egyptian inspired elements
• Archive containing over 1 million objects

Best Time to Visit

I’ve visited the Penn Museum in every season, and honestly? Weekday mornings are your best bet. The light streaming through those gorgeous windows in the Chinese Rotunda is absolutely magical before noon. If you’re bringing kiddos, I’d suggest avoiding the university’s move-in weeks in late August – it gets pretty hectic around there.

Winter months tend to be less crowded, especially during weekdays. And here’s a pro tip I learned the hard way: school groups usually visit Tuesday through Thursday, so Monday and Friday mornings are particularly peaceful. The museum tends to be busiest on weekends between 11 AM and 3 PM.

How to Get There

Getting to the Penn Museum is actually pretty straightforward. If you’re taking public transit (which I usually do), the Market-Frankford Line drops you within a short walking distance. There’s also the trolley option – the 11, 13, 34, and 36 lines all stop nearby. Driving? You’ll find parking garages around, but I usually go for the museum’s parking garage – it’s right there and saves you from hunting around University City.

Coming from out of town? The museum sits right in University City, and you can spot those distinctive Chinese-style roofs from blocks away. The building itself is pretty hard to miss – just look for the massive red brick structure with those gorgeous rotunda domes!

Tips for Visiting

Okay, let me share some insider tips I’ve picked up from my many visits. First off, grab one of the free guided tours – they’re actually super interesting and the guides really know their stuff. I learned things about ancient beer-making that still blow my mind! The tours usually start on the hour, but double-check when you arrive.

Bring a light jacket even in summer – some of the galleries can get chilly (they’ve gotta protect those artifacts!). If you’re into photography, you’ll want to bring your camera, but skip the flash – it’s not allowed near the artifacts. The gift shop, by the way, has some really unique items that aren’t your typical museum store fare.

Plan for at least 2-3 hours to really take everything in. The cafeteria isn’t anything special, but there are tons of great lunch spots within walking distance. And if you’re interested in the mummies (who isn’t?), head there first thing – that gallery tends to get crowded later in the day.

Oh, and if you’re visiting with kids, ask for the scavenger hunt sheets at the front desk – they make the whole experience way more engaging for the little ones. And don’t miss the interactive stations scattered throughout – they’re actually pretty fun even for us grown-ups!

Location

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