Online Collections

Explore Penn Museum collections information, images, archival films, and more.

Notice for Collections Content

These records describe cultural and historical items that may be culturally sensitive. Records may document human remains or contain names, images, or recordings of deceased individuals. Records might include language that is outdated, offensive, or incorrect. These are based on past collecting practices and interpretations and may not reflect current views and values of the Penn Museum. See Statements and Policies for more information and updated practices.

We update records regularly and encourage and welcome members of descendant communities, scholars, and others to contact us with feedback, questions, or concerns.

All Records

Highlighted Objects

Granite Sphinx of Ramses II

The sphinx, a lion with a human head, represents the power of the Egyptian king, both to protect his people and to conquer the enemies of Egypt.
Taizong Horses

Two stone horse reliefs in the Asian collection are considered by many to be among the most important examples of Chinese sculpture outside of China.
Ram in the Thicket

Sir Leonard Woolley dubbed this statuette the "ram caught in a thicket" as an allusion to the biblical story of Abraham sacrificing a ram.

World Heritage

2022-2023 Lecture Series

Since 1972, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated locations of cultural and natural significance that are of outstanding value to humanity as World Heritage Sites. These sites comprise a breathtaking panorama of our world’s greatest treasures, both natural and man-made, located in 167 countries. Learn about a selection of these sites.

Watch Series

Dra Abu El-Naga, Egypt

Located on the west bank of the Nile near Thebes, the Egyptian site of Dra Abu el-Naga is an important non-royal cemetery or necropolis. From 1921 to 1923, Clarence Fisher excavated at the site, focusing on the tombs of New Kingdom officials and the mortuary complex of the 18th Dynasty King Amenhotep I and his wife Nefertari (1525-1504 BCE).

Kourion, Cyprus

The island of Cyprus is located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea to the south of Turkey and west of Syria, Lebanon, and Israel. During the 20th century, the Penn Museum excavated at a number of locations in Cyprus. The site of Kourion resulted in some 2,000 objects coming to the Museum as a result of a division of finds with the Cyprus Department of Antiquities.

Contact Us

We update records and images regularly and encourage and welcome members of descendant communities, scholars, and others to contact us with feedback, questions, or concerns.