Online Collections

Explore Penn Museum collections information, images, archival films, and more.

Notice for Collections Content

These records describe cultural and historical items that may be culturally sensitive. Records may document human remains or contain names, images, or recordings of deceased individuals. Records might include language that is outdated, offensive, or incorrect. These are based on past collecting practices and interpretations and may not reflect current views and values of the Penn Museum. See Statements and Policies for more information and updated practices.

We update records regularly and encourage and welcome members of descendant communities, scholars, and others to contact us with feedback, questions, or concerns.

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Highlighted Objects

Granite Sphinx of Ramses II

The sphinx, a lion with a human head, represents the power of the Egyptian king, both to protect his people and to conquer the enemies of Egypt.
Stela 14

This and other stelae from Piedras Negras played a key role in the decipherment of Maya history.
Taizong Horses

Two stone horse reliefs in the Asian collection are considered by many to be among the most important examples of Chinese sculpture outside of China.

Great Myths and Legends

2015-2016 Lecture Series

Amazonian warrior women, Genghis Khan, even King Midas and his golden touch — all have their moment in the spotlight with the Penn Museum's popular Great Myths and Legends evening lecture series, featuring leading scholars from the Penn Museum, the University of Pennsylvania, and beyond.

Watch Series

Nippur, Iraq

Located in the marshes of southern Mesopotamia, in modern-day Iraq, Nippur was one of the most sacred cities in the ancient Middle East. Between 1889 and 1900, the University of Pennsylvania was the first American institution to carry out archaeological excavations in this region. It revealed a multi-layer site with a long and complicated history, and, most significantly, a library of inscribed cuneiform tablets that have formed the basis of our understanding of the first literate society in the world, the Sumerians.

Ur, Iraq

Located in southern Iraq, Ur was one of the most famous archaeological excavations during the early 20th century. The work at Ur brought the magic of archaeology to life, particularly by tying the discoveries into familiar biblical stories. Between 1922 and 1934, the Joint Expedition of the British Museum and the Penn Museum uncovered some of the most well-known and celebrated art from ancient Mesopotamia.

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We update records and images regularly and encourage and welcome members of descendant communities, scholars, and others to contact us with feedback, questions, or concerns.