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Opening Weekend for the Penn Museum’s New Middle East Galleries: April 21-22

caption: Rendering of the new Middle East Galleries at the Penn Museum, which open April 21-22.

This month, the Penn Museum taps into its world-renowned collection and research expertise to open the new Middle East Galleries. This suite of galleries invites visitors to travel on a remarkable 10,000-year human journey, from the earliest villages and towns to increasingly complex cities. The opening of these magnificent new galleries will take place during a weekend-long celebration, Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.—galleries are open until 5 p.m., activities and events end at 3:30 p.m.—free with general admission.

Highlighted Activities & Events for Saturday, April 21:

  • Explore the Museum’s early excavations in Mesopotamia with “Unearthed in the Archives: Middle East Edition.”
  • See animals from the Middle East with the Zoo on Wheels from the Philadelphia Zoo!
  • Drop in and chat with a curator, graduate student, researcher or designer who helped to shape the new Galleries during the Exchange with an Expert sessions.
  • Catch a glimpse of the Myth of Gilgamesh: dance, puppetry, theatre and live music—a spectacular work in progress by Sebastienne Mundheim’s White Box Theatre.
  • Enjoy a Live Music Performance from Jordan’s “Musical Ambassadress” Farah Siraj.

Highlighted Activities & Events for Sunday, April 22:

  • Hear tales from the Middle East during a special Children’s Storytime.
  • Learn to play the doumbek! Try drumming skills in the Middle Eastern Drum Workshop.
  • Watch the Iraqi team formed for Philadelphia’s Unity Cup tournament show their skills in a Soccer Demonstration.
  • Make your own cylinder seal and roll out a clay imprint to take home in the Cylinder Seal Workshop.
  • Enjoy an afternoon of classical and contemporary Arab music featuring Al-Bustan Ensemble and guests.

Visit the Penn Museum online at www.penn.museum for the full schedules.

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