Secrets of the Silk Road

February 5, 2011 through June 5, 2011
Only East Coast Appearance!

PRESERVED FOREVER... HERE FOR A MOMENT IN TIME

With her serene expression, the lady known as the “Beauty of Xiaohe” seems to have just fallen asleep—yet she last closed her eyes nearly 4,000 years ago. Nearby, the equally lifelike figure of a toddler reposes as if bundled against the harsh climate of his remote homeland in central Asia. The extraordinary Tarim Mummies are just part of Secrets of the Silk Road. Featuring the most amazingly preserved mummies ever found, and rare artifacts never before seen in the West, this landmark exhibition tells a tale of long-forgotten cultures along the world’s most legendary trading route. More than 150 objects will be on view, including gold jewelry and coins, figurines, clothing, tools, personal items, burial goods, and even perfectly preserved food. When Secrets of the Silk Road comes to Philadelphia and the Penn Museum in early 2011, it may be your last chance to see these rare treasures before they return to China—perhaps forever. Read the press release

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Close up of "The Beauty of Xiaohe," female mummy, ca 1800-1500 BC. Excavated from Xiaohe (Little River) Cemetery 5, Charqilik (Ruoqiang) County, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of western China. Copyright Wang Da-Gang.

Penn Museum is the first and the last stop on the east coast for this exhibition featuring mummies from China never before seen in America. Secrets of the Silk Road started its US tour at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California.

Secrets of the Silk Road Events

PM@PENNMUSEUM
Music, Quizzo, Workshops, Fun (Silk Road themed)
Wednesday Evenings 
5:00 - 8:00 pm
Free with Museum admission donation
See a list of events

Great Adventures of the Silk Road
Monthly Lecture Series
First Wednesday of every month
October 2010 to June 2011
Register now for discounted tickets

Secrets of the Silk Road Tickets
Individual tickets available September 15, 2010. Group tickets available now by calling (215) 746-8183, or by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Penn Museum members may pre-order their tickets from September 7 through 14, 2010.

General admission timed tickets (admission to the rest of the Museum) for individuals are available beginning September 15.

• Adult: $22.50
• Senior (65+)/Military: $18.50
• Students (full-time with ID)/Children (6 to 17 years): $16.50
• Penn Museum Members FREE*

*Number of tickets based upon level of membership.

Special discounted group tour pricing is available. Group reservations for Secrets of the Silk Road are being taken now. Contact Conor Hepp, Visitors Service Manager, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (215) 746-4174.

Follow Jeremy Pine, PhD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania Department of Anthropology, as he blogs from China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Jeremy's research explores the political and social connections along the contemporary Silk Road that enable average people access to goods to provide for their families. Follow the blog

The Secrets of the Silk Road website, featuring fun and educational resources and games is coming soon. Videos and podcasts about the Silk Road will be posted in our videos and podcasts section:

See what USA Today, and the Los Angeles Times have to say about this amazing exhibition.

NBC Nightly News takes a special look at the "Beauty of Xiahoe," one of the featured attractions in Secrets of the Silk Road. Penn Museum Director Richard Hodges is interviewed at the Bowers Museum.

Secrets of the Silk Road was organized by the Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, California in association with the Archaeological Institute of Xinjiang and the Urumqi Museum.