Amid the Resurgence of COVID-19, Penn Museum Temporarily Closes
PHILADELPHIA — The Penn Museum announced today that it will temporarily close at the end of the business day, Thursday, November 19, 2020, based on recommendations from the City of Philadelphia regarding the increases in infection rates during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The Museum plans to remain closed through at least January 1, 2021, but an extension may be possible, depending on trends surrounding the spread of COVID-19. The Penn Museum will continue to monitor the regional landscape and will reopen its doors to the public as soon as it’s permissible, while simultaneously continuing to prioritize the safety of its staff, visitors, and community.
In the meantime, the Penn Museum invites everyone to explore its online collections, participate in a wide range of virtual programs for all ages, and stay connected through its social media channels.
In the last eight months, the Museum’s virtual programming has expanded exponentially to include livestreamed events––from the Great Lecture Series, which is focused on "Great Monuments" to new popular after-hours programs like Ancient Alcohol. Numerous interactive and educational programs are also available for school-aged children and families looking to enrich remote learning.
"With our mission of transforming an understanding of our shared humanity, strengthening our online programs not only introduces stories of diverse cultures to everyone around the world, it also brings us together through conversation and shared discoveries,” said Melissa Smith, Co-Interim Director and Deputy Director of Operations at the Penn Museum. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back to experience our galleries and events in person once more when we can safely reopen."
For the latest updates, please check the Penn Museum’s website or social media channels.
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About the Penn Museum
The Penn Museum’s mission is to be a center for inquiry and the ongoing exploration of humanity for our University of Pennsylvania, regional, national, and global communities, following ethical standards and practices.
Through conducting research, stewarding collections, creating learning opportunities, sharing stories, and creating experiences that expand access to archaeology and anthropology, the Museum builds empathy and connections across diverse cultures
The Penn Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm. It is open until 8:00 pm on first Wednesdays of the month. The Café is open Tuesday-Thursday, 9:00 am-3:00 pm and Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am-3:00 pm. On Sundays, the Café is open 10:30 am-2:30 pm. For information, visit www.penn.museum, call 215.898.4000, or follow @PennMuseum on social media.