Opening Weekend Celebration
Saturday, November 16, 2019 |
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Location
Penn MuseumCategory
All AgesJoin in a vibrant, weekend-long celebration of our new Penn Museum on November 16–17! Be among the first to explore 10,000 square feet of reimagined galleries and spaces, featuring the new Mexico and Central America Gallery and Africa Galleries, the renovated Harrison Auditorium performance hall, and the Sphinx in his new home next to our completely re-envisioned Main Entrance! The entire Museum will be filled with lively activities throughout Saturday and Sunday. From incredible African and Central American dance performances to glyph writing activities, from storytelling to discussions with curators and artists, visitors are invited to engage with all that the reimagined Penn Museum has to offer.
Special Opening Performance: On Saturday, November 16, join us outside our Main Entrance doors at 9:30 am for festive musical performances in the Warden Garden from Aztec group Ollin Papalotl and the Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble. Williams Director Julian Siggers will introduce the Asante and Maya spiritual leaders that will bless the new Africa Galleries and Mexico and Central America Gallery, then welcome guests inside to meet the Sphinx, hear the blessings, and explore!
Included with Museum admission. Free for Museum members, PennCard holders, U.S. active duty/reservist military personnel, and veterans.
Program Schedule
| Time | Program | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 - 10:00 AM | Public performances outside with Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble and Ollin Papalotl | Warden Garden |
| 10:15 AM | Maya Shaman Blessing | Mexico and Central America Gallery |
| 10:30 AM | Asante Akan Libation and Blessings | Africa Galleries |
| 10:30 - 11:15 AM | Maya AWAL Marimba Performance and Deer Dance | Harrison Auditorium |
| 11:00 AM | Discussion: Creating a New Narrative in the Africa Galleries With Africa Galleries Curator Tukufu Zuberi and consulting scholars, in partnership with the Center for Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania |
Widener Lecture Room |
| 11:30 AM | Storytime with Keepers of the Culture | Egypt (Mummies) Gallery |
| 12:00 PM | Artifact Lab Open Window Chat with Conservators | Ancient Egypt: From Discovery to Display |
| 12:30 PM | Maya AWAL Marimba Performance and Deer Dance (Encore) | Harrison Auditorium |
| 1:00 PM | The Daily Dig: Divination Basket Clay Katongo, Global Guide |
Africa Galleries |
| 1:15 PM | Learn to Write Hieroglyphs | Classroom M2 |
| 1:30 PM | Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble Interactive Performance | Egypt (Mummies) Gallery |
| 1:45 PM | Discussion: Artist Voices in the New Africa Galleries Moderated by Africa Galleries Curator Tukufu Zuberi, with artists Jorge Dos Anjos, Muhsana Ali, Amadou Kane Sy, Breanna Moore, and Emerson Ruffin. In conversation about the inspiration and creation of their artworks, in partnership with the Center for Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania |
Widener Lecture Room |
| 2:00 PM | Learn to Write Maya Glyphs | Classroom M2 |
| 2:15 PM | Storytime with Keepers of the Culture | Egypt (Mummies) Gallery |
| 2:30 PM | Middle East Galleries Global Guide Tour | Middle East Galleries |
| 2:45 PM | Learn to Write Hieroglyphs | Classroom M2 |
| 3:00 PM | Artifact Lab Open Window Chat with Conservators | Ancient Egypt: From Discovery to Display |
| 3:30 PM | Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble Performance | Harrison Auditorium |
The Opening Weekend Celebration continues – view the Sunday schedule!
Ongoing Activities, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
| Activity | Location |
|---|---|
| Consult An Expert: Scholars and Global Guides | Mexico and Central America Gallery, Africa Gallery |
| Unearthed in the Archives: A historical “tour” of the people and expeditions behind the new galleries |
Museum Archives |
| Maya Glyph Stamping Art Activity | China Gallery |
| African Pattern Stamping Art Activity | China Gallery |
| Marketplace of Latin American and African Goods | China Gallery |
| Maya Back-strap Weaving Demonstrations | China Gallery |
| Maya Sawdust Carpet | China Gallery |
| Insta-Hunt with Prizes (Inside Program Handout) | Welcome Desks |
| Festive Themed Lunch | Museum Café |
| Themed Gifts and Souvenirs | Museum Shop |
OFFICIAL PARTNER
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