Science on Tap
Stacking Stones: Installing an Egyptian Palace at the Penn Museum
National Mechanics
Monday, Dec. 11 2023, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm ET
Free and Open to the Public
Science on Tap is a monthly gathering in Philadelphia that features public discussion on engaging science topics. Held on the second Monday of every month, Science on Tap features a brief, informal presentation by a scientist or other expert followed by lively conversation. The goal is to promote enthusiasm for science in a fun, spirited, and accessible way, while also meeting new people.
Have you ever walked through a museum gallery and wondered how large, heavy sculptures and structures were assembled inside the building? Join Julia Commander, Conservator of Egyptian Collections at the Penn Museum, to learn about preparations to reinstall its Ancient Egypt and Nubia galleries, which include components of massive structures like the Palace of the Pharoah Merenptah. This talk explores the conservation of stone sculptures and architectural materials, many of which have not been closely examined since the 1920s. We will look at the new methods and materials that have been developed for this project, and reflect on how art conservation and museum practices are changing over time.
This lecture will be held at National Mechanics, 22 S. 3rd St. Philadelphia, PA. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are not required for this event.
About the Speaker
Julia Commander
Julia Commander (she/her) is the Alice and Herbert Sachs Conservator of Egyptian Collections at the Penn Museum, currently focusing on treatment and reinstallation of monumental stone architecture. Julia earned her M.S. from the Winterthur/University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation, specializing in object conservation and preventive collections care, and conducted post-graduate training at the J. Paul Getty Museum Antiquities Department and a research fellowship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.