Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

The Penn Museum keeps one eye on the past and one on the future in its extensive assortment of relics from civilizations past and present, documenting human history, how it was made, and how it continues to develop. The museum lies at the western end of popular South Street and features exhibits and collections from China, Polynesia, the Mediterranean, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Mesoamerica. A vast range of previous and current exhibits include the expedition of Lewis and Clark, West African adobe architecture, an interactive exhibit on survival and evolution, and ancient Mayan politics. Collections showcase artifacts from daily life, sculptures, drawings, paintings, carvings, religious artifacts, tools, weapons, and other materials and objects.

Visitors enter the main Beaux-Arts style building via the Trescher entrance after walking through the Stoner Courtyard, which was once used as a carriage drive for visitors arriving via South Street. The courtyard is framed by the building and features custom lanterns, stone figures, and plants native to Asia, Europe, and North America in the spirit of the museum’s international focus. Penn Museum also has inner gardens located on the first floor that include botanic rarities such as Egyptian papyrus. The three floors of the main building hold various permanent collections and changing exhibits.

The first phase of the museum was completed in 1899, with several revisions and additions throughout the years. Each architect responsible for the original design was also a faculty member at the University of Pennsylvania. Prominent additions to the main building include a large rotunda that currently comprises the Harrison Auditorium and the Chinese collection. The museum is included in the University of Pennsylvania’s Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

- Carrie Struble