University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Museum Archaeology and anthropology museum with global collections
Philadelphia’s Penn Museum displays Egyptian, Near Eastern and American archaeology, including mummies and large reconstructed facades; visitors browse archaeological collections and rotating exhibitions.
The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is a university-affiliated museum in Philadelphia with extensive archaeological and ethnographic collections. It holds one of the largest academic collections in the United States, covering ancient Egypt, the Near East, the Americas and other world regions.
Exhibition galleries present material culture, funerary assemblages, and archaeological finds alongside rotating special exhibitions. The museum also supports research, teaching and fieldwork projects and houses conservation and research facilities associated with the university’s academic programs.
Founded in the late 19th century, the museum developed from university collections and archaeological expeditions and has long served both public visitors and academic researchers. Its displays are organised by region and culture and include major objects acquired through excavations and donations.
The museum is located on the University of Pennsylvania campus in West Philadelphia, close to the intersection of 33rd Street and South Street, and is accessible by local public transport and campus routes.
- Collection size: Houses a collection of over one million archaeological and anthropological objects, one of the largest university museum collections in the United States.
- Campus location: Located on the University of Pennsylvania campus near 33rd Street and South Street, making it accessible from central Philadelphia and university facilities.
What to See #
- Permanent galleries: Large permanent galleries dedicated to ancient Egypt, the Near East, the Mediterranean and the Americas display major archaeological collections from excavations and donations.
- Central court and rotunda: A prominent central court and rotunda provides public circulation and displays key objects and exhibits used for rotating special exhibitions.
How to Get to University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology #
From central Philadelphia, take SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line to 34th Street Station and walk south along 34th to the museum at South Street (about 8-10 minutes). Driving from downtown follows I-76 across the Schuylkill; parking is available in nearby university lots but pay attention to event-day restrictions.
Tips for Visiting University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology #
- Enter through the University of Pennsylvania's south campus entrance and approach via South Street - the museum's main entrance is on 34th Street near the Penn Bookstore; this avoids the campus' trickier vehicle flow.
- Allow at least 90 minutes: the Egyptian collection (including the 3,000-year-old mummy cases) and the reinstalled American and Native American galleries repay slow wandering.
- Check the museum's event calendar for object-handling sessions or curator talks; these are short, intimate, and often overlooked by day visitors.
Best Time to Visit University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology #
Indoor collections can be visited year-round; avoid major university holidays when the campus and some entrance points are quieter or closed.
Weather & Climate near University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology #
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1121 mm/year), wettest in July, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.