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. Some records may document human remains; others may contain names, images, or recordings of deceased individuals or include information or language that is outdated, offensive, or incorrect. These are based on past collecting practices and interpretations, which may not reflect current views and values of the Penn Museum.

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.

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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.
Queen Puabi's Headdress

This ornate headdress and pair of earrings were found with the body of Queen Puabi in the Royal Cemetery at Ur.

Great Revolutionaries

2021-2022 Lecture Series

Throughout history, there have been outstanding leaders and change-makers that have guided societies through times of great difficulty and triumph. Explore the stories behind a diverse mix of revolutionaries who brought dramatic change to their societies from ancient times to today.

Watch Series

Sitio Conte, Panama

In the early 20th century, the Conte family noticed that the shifting course of the Rio Grande de Coclé was exposing ancient burials on the river’s edge. In 1940, the Penn Museum excavated Sitio Conte (Conte Site) and found archaeological evidence of a large cemetery including an impressive burial of a chief that had been buried with lots of gold and numerous other individuals.

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.

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