World Culture Days

The Penn Museum’s popular World Culture Days series is designed to introduce visitors of all ages to the rich cultural traditions found throughout the Museum’s galleries and, indeed, throughout the world.  All World Culture Days are FREE with Museum admission donation.

Turkish Delight!
Visitors are invited to an afternoon of pure Turkish Delight! as the Museum celebrates the opening of Archaeologists & Travelers in Ottoman Lands with a wider look at the culture of Turkey. The afternoon features Turkish dancing and music, plus an authentic cuisine demonstration, talks on ancient and modern Turkey, and crafts.

Peace Around The World
Celebrate holiday traditions from around the world! Penn Museum International Classroom speakers present holiday traditions in various countries. The day also features international music and dancing, exotic face painting, balloon art, international family crafts, and free treats for children. Sponsored by the Turkish American Friendship Society of the United States, the Middle East Center of the University of Pennsylvania, and the Education Department’s International Classroom program at the Penn Museum.

Chinese New Year
Usher in the new year with music and dance performances, food and martial arts demonstrations, games, workshops, arts, crafts, and children’s activities. The day culminates with the traditional Chinese Lion Dance grand finale in the Museum’s Warden Garden. Lion dancers and drummers from Cheung’s Hung Gar Kung Fu Academy wend their way around the upper courtyard to chase away evil and bring a year of good luck.

Celebration of African Cultures
The annual Celebration of African Cultures at the Penn Museum features music, dance, and audience participation. Museum visitors are also treated to timely talks by Penn faculty on pressing issues in Africa today. Performances include West African drums, dancing, and acrobatics performed by the Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble.