"Anthropologists in the Making" Summer Camp at the Penn Museum

Summer Day Camp for Children Ages 7 to 13
June 20 - August 12, 2011

PHILADELPHIA, PA—This summer, adventurous children ages 7 through 13 can experience a unique day camp that takes them through time and across continents at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology on Penn's campus in Philadelphia.

"Anthropologists in the Making," runs eight theme-oriented one-week sessions from June 20 through August 12, 2011. Details about the popular camp, coordinated by the Penn Museum's Community Engagement department, are online at www.penn.museum/camp. A downloadable registration form is also available.

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"Iraq's Ancient Past" Reopens Following Gallery Renovations April 30

IRAQ'S ANCIENT PAST: REDISCOVERING UR'S ROYAL CEMETERY
Reopens following Gallery Renovations Saturday April 30, at 1:00 pm

Penn Museum's World-renowned Mesopotamian Collection from Ur is the Centerpiece of this Exhibition Exploring Iraq's Ancient Cultural Heritage

PHILADELPHIA, PA Spring 2011—Following major renovations to the third floor west wing galleries—including the addition of central air conditioning, new windows, lighting enhancements and refurbishment to the terrazzo flooring and marble trim-Penn Museum reopens the wing to the public on Saturday, April 30 at 1:00 pm, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and an invitation to visit two timely exhibitions: Battleground: War Rugs from Afghanistan, a traveling exhibition making its United States debut, and Iraq's Ancient Past: Rediscovering Ur's Royal Cemetery—a long-term exhibition featuring the Museum's world renowned Mesopotamian collections from Ur, newly reinstalled.

“With America engaged in military operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan, these two exhibitions are especially relevant,” noted Dr. Richard Hodges, the Williams Director of the Penn Museum.  “Battleground provides a look at how one celebrated artistic tradition has been changed by war, while Iraq’s Ancient Past explores an extraordinary ancient culture and heritage now at great risk from modern-day looting.”

Iraq's Ancient Past: Rediscovering Ur's Royal Cemetery, an exhibition that features materials discovered at and excavated from the ancient Royal Cemetery at Ur, located in present-day Iraq, originally opened October 25, 2009. The exhibition has been closed during gallery renovations since July 2010.

Read more: "Iraq's Ancient Past" Reopens Following Gallery Renovations April 30

Gladiator Day, A PECO World Culture Event

SPRING 2011-Penn Museum invites visitors to an afternoon exploring the history of the ancient Roman Empire's spectacular fighter--the gladiator. Gladiator Day features gladiatorial bouts and demonstrations, a gladiator lecture, gladiator-inspired arts and crafts, balloon art creations, a food demonstration, and Italian-inspired cuisine, on Saturday, April 23, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, throughout the galleries of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. A PECO World Culture Day, the Celebration is FREE with Museum admission donation ($10 for adults; $7 for seniors [65+]; $6 for full-time students [with ID] and children [6-17]; free for Museum members, children under 6, and PennCard holders).

Read more: Gladiator Day, A PECO World Culture Event

"Battleground: War Rugs from Afghanistan" Makes U.S. Debut Here April 30, 2011

Penn Museum Presents Battleground: War Rugs from Afghanistan
April 30 through July 31, 2011

PHILADELPHIA, PA Spring 2011—Battleground: War Rugs from Afghanistan, a traveling exhibition organized by the Textile Museum of Canada, makes its United States debut at the Penn Museum in Philadelphia, where it will be on display beginning Saturday, April 30 at 1:00 pm, through July 31, 2011. Dr. Brian Spooner, Curator, Near East Section of the Penn Museum and an anthropologist who specializes in Afghanistan and oriental rugs, offers an opening day introductory lecture, following an official ribbon cutting ceremony for the exhibition, and the reopening of Iraq's Ancient Past: Rediscovering Ur's Royal Cemetery, at 1:00 pm.

There have never been rugs like this before.

Read more: "Battleground: War Rugs from Afghanistan" Makes U.S. Debut Here April 30, 2011

"Theater of War" at the Penn Museum Saturday, April 2

"Theater of War" is Presented for First Time in Philadelphia Saturday, April 2, 1:30 pm

PHILADELPHIA, PA, March 15, 2011—Theater of War Productions, a social impact company that presents readings of ancient Greek plays for military service members and civilians, offers its first Philadelphia performance at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in the Harrison auditorium on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 1:30 pm. The program, co-sponsored with the Philadelphia VA Medical Center, the Department of Classics at the University of Pennsylvania, and the People's Light & Theatre company, is FREE to all military service members, veterans, and the general public.

Read more: "Theater of War" at the Penn Museum Saturday, April 2

Along the Silk Road, a PECO World Culture Day

PHILADELPHIA--Penn Museum celebrates the final days of its landmark exhibition from China, Secrets of the Silk Road, with an event for all ages: Along the Silk Road on Saturday, March 26th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. This PECO World Culture Day brings Silk Road cultures vividly to life with music and dance performances, a tea tasting and talk, dance and craft workshops, lectures by acclaimed writers and scholars, children's activities, a self-guided Silk Road tour, and a grand finale dance performance. The celebration is free with Museum admission donation ($10 general admission; $7 senior citizens [65+]; $6 students [with ID] and children [6 to 17]; free for children under 6, members, and PennCard holders). Visitors who wish to see Secrets of the Silk Road, open with artifacts from China through March 28 only, can buy advance, special timed tickets which include entry to the Museum and the special event (online: www.penn.museum/silkroad or by phone: (877) 77-CLICK). Visitors may purchase tickets at the Museum that day, while supplies last.

Read more: Along the Silk Road, a PECO World Culture Day

30th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration, Saturday, February 12, 2011

PHILADELPHIA--Hop to it and welcome in the Year of the Rabbit! The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology presents the 30th annual Chinese New Year Celebration Saturday, February 12, 2011, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm! This PECO World Culture Day features music and dance performances, healing and martial arts demonstrations, games, workshops, children's activities, and grand opening as well as grand finale lion dance performances. The celebration is free with Museum admission donation ($10 general admission; $7 senior citizens [65+]; $6 students [with ID] and children [6 to 17]; free for children under 6, members, and PennCard holders).

Read more: 30th Annual Chinese New Year Celebration, Saturday, February 12, 2011

Silk Road Menu, "Secret" Recipes, at the Pepper Mill Cafe

The Pepper Mill Café at the Penn Museum Unveils Silk Road Menu, "Secret" Recipes
During Run of Secrets of the Silk Road

Along with cultures, religions, silks and other luxury items, food traveled the Silk Road.

The Pepper Mill Café at the Penn Museum invites guests to take a culinary journey along the Silk Road. The Café offers a changing variety of regionally-inspired Silk Road lunch menus, daily afternoon teas-even Happy Hour drinks and bar snacks-to extend the Silk Road experience during the run of the special exhibition, February 5 through June 5, 2011.

Read more: Silk Road Menu, "Secret" Recipes, at the Pepper Mill Cafe

Silk Road Opening Weekend Celebration

Opening Weekend Celebration Features Camels, Oasis Tent, Special Activities for Secrets of the Silk Road, Landmark Exhibition from China at the Penn Museum Saturday and Sunday, February 5 and 6, 2011

Look out for camels—and a lot of hoopla at 3260 South Street in Philadelphia—as the Penn Museum kicks off the exclusive East Coast premiere of Secrets of the Silk Road, the landmark exhibition from China!

A host of special sights, sounds, and activities are in store for Penn Museum visitors at the grand opening weekend of Secrets of the Silk Road, Saturday and Sunday, February 5 and 6, from 10:00 am opening to 5:00 pm closing.

Read more: Silk Road Opening Weekend Celebration

22nd Annual Celebration of African Cultures, Saturday, January 22

WINTER 2010--Penn Museum invites families to an afternoon exploration of the rich cultures of Africa and the African diaspora. The 22nd annual Celebration of African Cultures features music and dance, storytelling, arts and crafts, games, cuisine, and more on Saturday, January 22, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm throughout the galleries of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. A PECO World Culture Day, the Celebration is FREE with Museum admission donation ($10 for adults; $7 for seniors [65+]; $6 for full-time students [with ID] and children [6-17]; free for Museum members, children under 6, and PennCard holders).

A blend of acclaimed local participants include evocative storyteller Momma Sandi, vocalist and storyteller Queen Nur, the Neo-African Drum and Dance group of La Salle College, and the Women's Sekere Ensemble. The University of Pennsylvania dance group African Rhythms offers the grand finale performance.

Throughout the day visitors can learn to play the traditional "board" game mancala, learn about daily life in the Republic of Senegal, create artwork inspired by traditional African art at family crafts tables, and shop for African-inspired items at the Museum's Main Shop and Pyramid shop for children.

 

Read more: 22nd Annual Celebration of African Cultures, Saturday, January 22

January/February Calendar of Special Events at the Penn Museum

For the most updated information on programs offered at the Penn Museum, and for online pre-registration (optional or required for some programs) visit the Museum's website: www.penn.museum/calendar.

JANUARY

Wednesday, January 5, 6:00 pm
"Great Adventures along the Silk Road" Lecture Series
From Baghdad to Bukhara and Back
Dr. Renata Holod, Curator, Near East Section, offers this talk, part of the "Great Adventures" series. Medieval Central Asian trade centers brought major changes into the Islamic state. Baghdad, the new capital founded in 762 CE, saw the influx of Central Asian goods, people, and ideas over the next two centuries, while the Central Asian centers, epitomized by Bukhara, developed new combinations of cultural expression and networks of influence. Reception to follow. Admission: $10 at the door; $5 with advance registration; FREE for Penn Museum members with advance registration. Information: (215)898-2680.

 

Read more: January/February Calendar of Special Events at the Penn Museum

15th Annual Peace around the World Holiday Event

 

PHILADELPHIA, November 2010--Grab a "Passport" and experience the spirit of the holiday season on Sunday, December 5th, 1:00 to 4:00 pm, at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology's 15th annual Peace around the World family afternoon. All visitors receive Museum "passports" with itineraries to visit seven countries via seven international speakers and explore holiday traditions from around the world. The day also features a Middle Eastern drumming workshop, Balinese dancing, Chinese lion dancing, storytelling, face painting, balloon art, international family crafts, free treats for children, and more!

Read more: 15th Annual Peace around the World Holiday Event

Celebrate Japan! World Culture Day

 

PHILADELPHIA 2010--It has been 150 years since the first Japanese delegation toured the U.S. while establishing diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries--and it's time for a celebration! Penn Museum commemorates the anniversary with festivities reflecting various aspects of Japan's culture and heritage on Sunday, November 14, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, during Celebrate Japan!, a PECO World Culture Day afternoon.

This family-friendly event features martial arts demonstrations, Taiko drumming, and a display of the Museum's samurai armor collection. The day also includes presentations on calligraphy and origami, a kimono display and dressing lecture, a talk about the history of the first Japanese delegation, Japanese games, kabuki face painting, and an exhibit of traditional dolls significant in the Japanese festival "Girls' Day."

Read more: Celebrate Japan! World Culture Day

¡VIVA MEXICO! Celebration Features Diverse Music, Dance, Customs, and Traditions of Mexico

PHILADELPHIA 2010--A Mariachi band, pre-Columbian and folkloric dancing, storytelling, a Mexican "mercado" and children's games, the making of public mural art, and Mexican food--it all comes together when the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology presents ¡VIVA MEXICO!, an afternoon celebration for the whole family on Sunday, November 7, 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

Read more: ¡VIVA MEXICO! Celebration Features Diverse Music, Dance, Customs, and Traditions of Mexico

"Green and Sustainable Day" at the Penn Museum November 6

Walk, Jog, Bike, Bike Taxi or Take SEPTA
Penn Museum Offers "Green" Visitors Half-Price Admission
"Green and Sustainable Day" at the Reopening of the South Street Bridge
Saturday, November 6

PHILADELPHIA, FALL 2010—The City of Philadelphia plans to reopen the South Street Bridge—closed since fall 2008—on Saturday afternoon, November 6. The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, just down the road at 3260 South Street, celebrates with a "green" day for visitors: half-price admission to everyone on both sides of the bridge who visits that day--without benefit of a car! The first 100 "green" guests receive a sleek metal Penn Museum water bottle (refillable for the trip back home).

"You can walk on over, you can jog on over, ride your bike (helmets, please), take a bike taxi, catch a SEPTA bus, subway, trolley or the regional rail-just come to the Penn Museum in a green and sustainable way, and we'll welcome you in at half the price of our regular admission to enjoy our galleries and ‘travel the world'," said Richard Hodges, the Williams Director.

Read more: "Green and Sustainable Day" at the Penn Museum November 6

Packaged and Ready to Go: Penn Museum Offers Unique Holiday Gifts for Explorers of All Ages

Philadelphia 2010--This holiday season, the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology has packaged up some experiences just in time for holiday shopping: unique holiday gifts that can open up the whole wide world to friends, family, and anyone on a holiday shopper's list. The Museum Shop, the Pyramid Shop for Children, and the new Pepper Mill Café offer additional ways to share a piece of the very best of our world.

Read more: Packaged and Ready to Go: Penn Museum Offers Unique Holiday Gifts for Explorers of All Ages

International Workshop on Southeast Asian Ceramic Archaeology in November 2010

University of Pennsylvania Museum, Partnering with the Smithsonian's Freer and Sackler Galleries, Co-Hosts First Ever International Workshop on Southeast Asian Ceramic Archaeology

OCTOBER 2010—While archaeologists have traveled the globe to unearth the secrets of humanity's ancient past, one region, mainland Southeast Asia—a vast territory that includes Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, and Viet Nam—has seen relatively little archaeological research, and less international collaboration. Political, language, cultural, and physical barriers have all played a part in keeping much of this region of the world "terra incognita" to scholars of the past.

Read more: International Workshop on Southeast Asian Ceramic Archaeology in November 2010

Gift from Euseba and Warren Kamensky Endows NAGPRA Coordinator Position at the Penn Museum

OCTOBER 2010—The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is pleased to announce a deeply generous gift from Mr. Warren F. Kamensky, long-time Penn Museum member and volunteer, to endow the position of NAGPRA (Native American Graves and Protection and Repatriation Act) Coordinator. The gift will directly support the full-time staff position currently held by Stacey Espenlaub. The position's new title will be the Euseba and Warren Kamensky NAGPRA Coordinator of the American Section.

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Penn Museum Hosts 41st Annual Welcome Reception for International Students and Scholars

Philadelphia 2010—Welcome! Swagatam! Willkomen! Emedi!
International students, scholars, and professionals new to the Delaware Valley are invited to attend this year’s 41st annual International Students Reception on Friday, October 22, 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The welcome reception is held in the majestic Chinese Rotunda at the Penn Museum, 3260 South Street on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia.

Penn Museum Williams Director Richard Hodges sums up the reception experience, "Each year this event reminds me of the great vibrancy and cultural diversity of this region and its tremendous network of educational institutions. It is truly a privilege to watch students from more than 100 countries come together, sample foods from around the globe and make friends, forming the new links in a global community right here in our own richly diverse Museum, surrounded by artifacts from ancient world cultures."

Read more: Penn Museum Hosts 41st Annual Welcome Reception for International Students and Scholars

Penn Museum Begins a Major Renovation Including Climate Control of its West Wing

Project includes refurbished galleries, a state-of-the-art suite of conservation, research, and teaching labs, and restoration of the historic Widener Lecture Hall

OCTOBER 4, 2010—Richard Hodges, Williams Director of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, is pleased to announce the start of construction on a major renovation of the West Wing of the Museum's original 1899 building.

The first phase of renovation will include refurbishment of the Wing's public galleries—where a landmark exhibition from China, Secrets of the Silk Road, will open February 5, 2011—and the creation of a teaching laboratory for ceramic petrography. Later phases will add the creation of a state-of-the-art suite of conservation labs and workspaces, several additional teaching and research labs, and the restoration of the historic and architecturally unique Widener Lecture Hall, which will return to its original function as a beautiful public event space after several decades of use as a behind-the-scenes preparation area for exhibitions. The addition of climate control throughout the Wing, together with replacement of the windows with historically accurate but airtight and energy efficient versions, will significantly enhance the Penn Museum visitor experience and provide greater protection and stability for the artifacts on display.

Read more: Penn Museum Begins a Major Renovation Including Climate Control of its West Wing