I’ve been meaning to check out the Penn Museum for awhile and the ongoing snow/sleet situation this winter has provided ample opportunity to stay indoors. There is a lot to see at the museum, so pace yourself! It’s a huge collection (some of which are the largest in the US) covering everything from fan favorites like Egyptian art, Greco/Roman/Etruscan pieces, Middle Eastern artifacts and African art. They also have wings devoted to Asian, Native American and Central/South American (e.g. Mayan, Olmec, etc.,) artifacts. The museum has been undergoing an extensive renovation, which is certainly bringing new life to the collection and I imagine all the new touch screens will keep kids happy. Highlights for me were: The Royal Tombs at Ur (Middle Eastern gallery), seeing some of the unwrapped mummies (Egyptian gallery), the Artifact Lab (see what museum conservators do), masks & ivory carvings ( African gallery) and the jewel box space that houses the Greek pieces. Also note the exterior grounds are quite lovely and I would absolutely revisit during the warmer months to enjoy the courtyard & balcony areas.
Be aware there is construction around the museum as well, but I easily found street parking ($2.50 p/hour) two blocks away. If not, the museum website lists both garages and lots available for parking. Regarding tickets, buying timed tickets online will save you $2 off admission. I also spoke with the front desk at the Penn Museum about the joint Mutter Museum ticket. They refunded my original ticket amount and then billed me for the joint ticket.