Penn Museum Tours and Activities
Founded in 1887, the Penn Museum is one of the top anthropology and archaeology museums in the world. With a rich history of scientific expeditions around the globe, the museum holds nearly a million art objects and artifacts that showcase the development and achievements of humanity.
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
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.
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.
Address: 3260 South St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
Admission: Varies
Admission Tickets (1)
Penn Museum Admission Ticket
5
Situated directly on the University of Pennsylvania's campus, the Penn Museum is the largest University Museum in the United States! With over 1 million objects in the collection that span 10,000 years of human history, you can travel the world under one roof!
…More
From
$18.00
From
$18.00
2 Tours and Activities to Experience Penn Museum
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Penn Museum Admission Ticket
5
Situated directly on the University of Pennsylvania's campus, the Penn Museum is the largest University Museum in the United States! With over 1 million objects in the collection that span 10,000 years of human history, you can travel the world under one roof!
…More
From
$18.00
From
$18.00
Go Philadelphia Explorer Pass
14
See some of Philadelphia's top attractions at a discount with The Philadelphia Pass. Select your choice of three, four, five, or seven activities from a list of options and get direct entrance after you save your pass on your mobile device. Use your pass for touring options such as the Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Philadelphia Tour, or for entrance tickets to venues such as the African American Museum, Betsy Ross House, or Philadelphia Zoo. Passes are valid for one year from purchase date and you have 60 consecutive days from first use.
Please note: Enjoy the extra flexibility in case your travel plans need to change: All passes are valid for two year from purchase date and only become activated with your first attraction visit. After activation your pass will be valid for 60 days and/or the remaining number of attraction choices purchased.
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From
$53.00
From
$53.00
City Sightseeing Philadelphia Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
54
With several stops and two routes on this City Sightseeing tour of Philadelphia, you won’t run out of things to see or do. Once you board the open-top, double-decker bus, you can stay on for the entire route narrated by a guide, or disembark at any of the hop-on hop-off stops for sightseeing along the way. Select a 1-, 2-, or 3-day pass and see attractions such as the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia Zoo, and Betsy Ross House. Customize your own itinerary and set your own pace in the City of Brotherly Love.
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From
$36.00
From
$36.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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