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others may contain names, images, or recordings of deceased individuals or include information or language that is outdated, offensive, or incorrect.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.

Highlighted Objects

  • Puteoli Marble Block

    A marble block over five feet in height that originally formed part of a monumental statue of the Emperor Domitian, who ruled between 81 and 96 AD (or CE)

  • 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

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
Dra Abu El-Naga, Egypt

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).

Sitio Conte, Panama.

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.

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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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