NEW GALLERIES OPENING IN 2026
We're preparing for a palace. While our Egypt Galleries are closed for a multi-year renovation, explore more than 200 Egyptian artifacts in Ancient Egypt: From Discovery to Display and throughout the Museum.
Statue, Egypt, 305-30 BCE, E14314. On view in Ancient Egypt: From Discovery to Display
The Penn Museum is embarking on its largest renovation yet—transforming the Ancient Egypt and Nubia Galleries. While our Egypt Galleries are under construction, there are still plenty of Egyptian artifacts on view.
Ask for the Explore Egypt guides on your next visit.
Statue, Egypt, 305-30 BCE, E14314. On view in Ancient Egypt: From Discovery to Display
For over a century, archaeologists from the Penn Museum have conducted fieldwork in Egypt and Sudan. These early excavations played a significant role in establishing the museum's collection of Egyptian and Nubian artifacts—one of the largest in the United States. Most of the Egyptian collection comprises excavated objects obtained through the partage system wherein foreign archaeological expeditions working in Egypt shared the discoveries made during excavations with Egypt’s Antiquities Service. The Egyptian collection spans the entirety of ancient Egypt's history, ranging from approximately 4,000 BCE to the 7th century CE.
Explore the extraordinary world of the pharaohs and the timeless cultural legacy of ancient Egypt and Nubia. On view is a remarkable collection of statues, reliefs, and intricate artifacts, providing insight into the art, religion, and daily practices of the ancient Egyptians. From spectacular statues of powerful pharaohs and goddesses to delicate jewelry and exquisitely decorated coffins, each object reflects this vibrant and complex society that thrived along the Nile River. Unravel the mysteries of the afterlife, the significance of hieroglyphs, and the fine craftsmanship of ancient artisans.
Excavated by W. M. Flinders Petrie in 1912 near the Ptah Temple at Memphis, the Penn Museum's 13-ton sphinx is the largest sphinx in the Western Hemisphere and the fourth largest outside of Egypt. On view in the Sphinx Gallery. E12326
During the mummification process, embalmers removed and mummified the lungs, liver, stomach, and intestines and stored them in canopic jars. The jackal god Duamutef protected the stomach. The hieroglyphs state that this jar belonged to Hathor, a singer in the temple of the god Herishef. On view in the Sphinx Gallery. E14227A, B
The features and style of this figure suggest it represents Tutankhamun, the famous boy king. Possibly part of a larger statue, the missing arms may have held an offering to a deity. It is cast in black bronze, a relatively rare material, and now only traces of gold remain. On view in Ancient Egypt: From Discovery to Display E14295
Like the Egyptians, the Phoenicians used carved stones shaped like scarab beetles as amulets and to seal baskets, jars, and documents. This steatite scarab is inscribed with the name of 22nd Dynasty King, Hedjkheperre Setepenre (Sheshonq I). On view in the Eastern Mediterranean Gallery. E13038
This offering table is decorated with images of foodstuffs that could magically serve as a substitute for real food in the afterlife. A common feature in Egyptian tombs, the practice was also adopted in Nubia. The inscription here is in Meroitic, an ancient Nubian language that is only partially readable. On view in the Africa Galleries. E7093
Transforming the Ancient Egypt & Nubia Galleries is our largest renovation project to date. Curator Jen Wegner, Ph.D., and Head Conservator Molly Gleeson share a sneak peek as they work to bring the 3,000-year-old palace of the Pharaoh Merenptah back to life.
Want to support this monumental makeover? Make a gift or email Lauren Cronk, Associate Director, Major Gifts and Special Projects, at lcronk@upenn.edu.
Penn Museum Voices
May 14, 2024
David O’Connor’s arrival to the Penn Museum in 1964 ushered in a new era of Egyptology in Philadelphia and beyond. But the famed archaeologist was also a dad—connecting with his young daughter across continents with these whimsical doodles.
Special Exhibitions
From excavation to conservation, examine the journey artifacts take on their way to museum display. See more than 200 fascinating Egyptian artifacts, many of which have never been on view before.
Translate your name into hieroglyphs the way an Egyptian scribe might have written it.
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