Programs
Summer Wonder
Penn Museum's Summer Wonder Wednesday morning series celebrates the diversity of the world's cultures with eight weeks of performance art.
Penn Museum’s Summer Wonder Wednesday morning series, July 3 through August 21, features a fun and diverse lineup of performances and demonstrations perfect for children ages 6 to 13 and the whole family. Enjoy international music, learn traditional Native American dance, hear stories about ancient Greek mythology, and more! Programs run from 11 am to noon, leaving time to visit the Museum!
Programs are free with Museum admission donation. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more, with pre-registration (required): 215.746.6774 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Native Nations Dance Theater
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
11:00am – 12:00pm
Rainey Auditorium
Native Nations Dance Theater invites you to “keep the Native Spirit alive." Celebrate Native American culture through song, dance, storytelling, and traditional regalia. Witness the Round Dance, Snake Dance, and more. Help drum out some rhythms at your seat or join presenters on stage to try some dance moves.
Tom Lee presents Marduk and the Creation
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
11:00am – 12:00pm
Rainey Auditorium
Shadow Stories
Mock Turtle Marionette Theater with Gamelan Mekar Sari presents
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
11:00am – 12:00pm
Rainey Auditorium
Turn out the lights! And, slip down underground into the World of Shadows! Join Mock Turtle Marionette Theater as it sets aside its strings and wooden puppets to take you to on a journey with shadow puppets. There, you’ll find a glowing set of magical stories from places as diverse as China, Africa, Ireland and Bali. The stories are set to live Balinese music performed by Gamelan Mekar Sari.
Family Stages presents Finding King Tut
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
11:00am – 12:00pm
Rainey Auditorium
Journey to the year 1922 with Howard Carter to the Valley of the Kings as he discovers the tomb of King Tutankhamen, an effort that was six years in the making. Family Stages's Finding King Tut combines humor and history to give audiences a deeper understanding of ancient Egyptianculture and the work of archaeologist Howard Carter.
Charlotte Blake Alston presents Stories and Songs in the Oral Tradition
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
11:00am – 12:00pm
Rainey Auditorium
Whether accompanying her stories with a thumb piano, djembe or a 21-string kora, Charlotte uses her melodic and mesmerizing voice to breathe life into contemporary and ancient tales alike. All of her programs draw upon the rich source of stories, songs, games and music that are the hallmarks of the African and African/American oral traditions.
A Day with Ancient Greece presents Heroes and Heroines of the Mythic Age
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
11:00am – 12:00pm
Rainey Auditorium
Travel back in time to when the Ancient Greek Gods and Goddesses competed with men and women to see who was the cleverest and bravest. Discover how Heracles, the greatest Greek hero, overcame the fierce Nemean Lion whose golden fur was tougher than any mortal weapon and learn how beautiful Atalanta defeated every man that challenged her, even a huge wild Boar, until the goddess Aphrodite sent a man who knew that apples were the only way into her heart. Participants will swing Heracles’ huge olive wood club at the Nemean Lion and search for Atalanta’s golden apples in an action filled presentation full of surprises and fun.
A Medieval Feast
Mary Knysh, in association with Young Audiences for Arts and Learning presenting
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
11:00am – 12:00pm
Rainey Auditorium
Join Mary Knysh in exploring medieval music and instruments and their continuing influence today! This fascinating collection of chants, ballads, recorder melodies, troubadour songs, and stories—through Mary’s vivid interpretations—give modern audiences a glimpse into everyday life in the Middle Ages.
A Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
Linda Humes, in association with Young Audiences for Arts and Learning presenting.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
11:00am – 12:00pm
Rainey Auditorium
August 28th marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s I Have a Dream speech. Accompanied by master percussionist, Sanga of the Valley, Linda Humes celebrates the legacy and times of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Filled with stories about Rosa Parks, Marion Anderson singing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as well as Civil Rights songs of the day, Linda pays tribute to this giant in American history and his powerful message of peace and justice for all.
