Looking for a fascinating cultural experience on a college budget? Then look no further.
If you haven’t been to the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (UPM) yet, now is the time to go.
UPM is featuring a long awaited exhibit that brings ancient worlds to life.
The multi-million dollar “Worlds Intertwined: Etruscans, Greeks, and Romans” exhibit features artifacts and treasures from these ancient civilizations.
Don’t yawn yet.
This is not your typical “old stuff in a glass case” museum experience.
UPM has painstakingly put together an exhibition that is in-depth, awe-inspiring and entertaining.
With its grand unveiling on March 16, the museum put on a show filled with dazzling spectacle.
Opening two hours early, the fanfare began at 11 a.m. and featured Roman soldiers in full gear, Italian and Greek dancing, fashion shows illustrating ancient dress, samplings of ancient cuisine and activities for children of all ages.
Don’t worry, the fun is not over yet; the museum will continue to host events and attractions through the month of May.
This new gallery took more than ten years and millions of dollars in contributions to assemble.
Many local community organizations, state institutions, as well as private individuals, donated the funds to make the new exhibit possible.
The National Endowment for the Arts, as well as several corporations and foundations, were also benefactors.
Large contributions were also made by the Italian American and Hellenic communities in the Philadelphia region.
This exhibit highlights some of the most fascinating societies of ancient times.
Through the use of over a thousand different artifacts that included jewelry, mosaics, armor, marble and bronze sculptures, gold and silver coins and various works of pottery, each exhibit sheds light on the day-to-day lives of the ancient people who inhabited the Mediterranean region.
UPM displays objects dating back as far as 3000 B.C., many of which were never before displayed in public.
From this vast collection of treasures, museum goers will be able to experience the artistry and craftsmanship of these great civilizations.
The impressive Etruscan exhibit is one of the most comprehensive in the United States, featuring artifacts with rare inscriptions that have given insight into the language and communication of the Etruscan men and women.
The Greek gallery, which has been open since 1994, has been expanded to illustrate the impact and contributions made by the ancient Greeks.
The Roman exhibit has been refurbished and includes military paraphernalia, sculptures and objects from everyday Roman life, such as building materials and lead pipes.
The “Worlds Intertwined” exhibit helps to show the similarities among these ancient civilizations and the history that they share.
To gain the ultimate ancient experience, seeing a performance of the Vagabond Acting Troupe is a must.
The touring ensemble has teamed with UPM to put a theatrical spin on the Greek, Roman and Etruscan worlds.
The group will bring such ancient characters to life as the Greek Goddess Athena, an Etruscan priestess and a Roman senator.
The troupe will be performing on weekends through April 12.
The Museum’s admission is $5 for adults, but they offer a student rate of only $2.50, and if you’re really broke go on Sundays – it’s free!
To find out more about this exhibit and others, or the many events hosted by the museum, visit their Web site at www.museum.upenn.edu.
Milli Protheroe can be reached at bobhope@temple.edu.
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