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MuseumsLocal GemRainy-day pick

Penn Museum

3260 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19104 · Philadelphia, PA

Why you should go…

The University of Pennsylvania's Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology holds one of the great collections in the Americas, roughly a million objects gathered from its own expeditions across Egypt, Mesopotamia, Mexico, and beyond. The showstopper is a 25,000-pound red granite Sphinx of Ramses II, the largest in the Western Hemisphere, now presiding over the main entrance hall. Galleries devoted to Africa, Asia, Rome, and the ancient Middle East reward slow wandering, and the leafy courtyard garden is a campus gem.

  • #archaeology
  • #egypt
  • #sphinx
  • #university city
  • #artifacts

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Penn Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    Pennsylvania Wine Country

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    A statewide guide to Pennsylvania's wine trails, tasting rooms and vineyard events.

    0.3 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

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    Mütter Museum

    Under $25

    The famously strange medical museum of the College of Physicians, antique instruments, anatomical specimens, and Einstein's brain.

    0.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Family Favorite

    The Franklin Institute

    $25–$50

    Walk through a giant beating heart at Philly's hands-on science playground, a guaranteed hit with kids of every age.

    1.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Barnes Foundation

    $25–$50

    Renoirs and Matisses hung floor-to-ceiling exactly as Dr. Barnes arranged them, an art experience unlike any other.

    1.2 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Philadelphia

    Free

    The birthplace of American independence, packed with Revolutionary War history, world-class museums, and a legendary food scene.

    1.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Discover Catholic

    Free

    Printed and online visitor guide to the churches, shrines and historic parishes of Catholic Philadelphia, distributed at tourist areas across the region.

    1.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing