Public Information

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA MUSEUM

OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

With its mission to increase understanding of world history and cultural diversity, UPM is in a unique position to offer a holiday-time event that celebrates individual and group hopes and aspirations for a world at peace. This FREE family day of fun features international entertainment with a focus on children and the holidays. Choirs, games, face painting, and holiday craft workshops for all ages at this special afternoon sponsored by the Museum’s Volunteer Board. Information: 215/898-4890.

Welcome in the Year of the Snake at the 20^th annual day-long extravaganza! Discover Chinese New Year traditions and delve into Chinese culture with children’s workshops, storytelling, cooking, arts and crafts, martial and healing arts talks and demonstrations, and music and dance performances. The day ends with the fabulous Lion Dance and Firecracker parade. Free with Museum admission donation. Museum-wide. Information: 215/898-4890.

The twelfth annual Celebration of African Cultures has a host of special activities to delight the entire family. African dance lessons and storytelling, children’s arts and crafts, music and performances enliven the Museum. Visitors can tour the African gallery, which features art and cultural materials from around the continent. Free with Museum admission donation. Museum-wide. Information: 215/898-4890.

For the ninth consecutive year, the University of Pennsylvania Museum presents the Margaret Mead Traveling Film and Video Festival, organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York. This is a unique opportunity in Philadelphia to see some of the most outstanding cross-cultural documentary films being produced around the world today. Films and videos are presented thematically, and festival screenings take place in the Museum's Harrison Auditorium. Evening admission is $6.00, $3.00 for students and senior citizens. Saturday morning and afternoon admission is free with Museum admission. A complete schedule of films can be found on the Museum's website after December 15 at www.upenn.edu/museum, or by calling the Education Department at 215/898-4015.

Top Maya scholars and hundreds of Maya enthusiasts from around the country come to the University of Pennsylvania Museum for a public weekend of talks, discussions, and hieroglyph workshops examining the history and language of the ancient Maya people. Saturday evening, guests enjoy a lively fiesta and banquet of Maya cuisine (optional). The Weekend concludes Sunday afternoon with a Despedida party. General admission: $150. For more information, contact the Special Events Office at 215/898-4890.

The renowned beer author and aficionado Michael Jackson returns to the the Museum for his eleventh annual The Book and the Cook visit. The Museum Catering Company designs and prepares a memorable dinner, enjoyed, of course, with appropriate fine beers selected by Mr. Jackson. Non-Members: $150 per couple/$85 per person, Members: $135 per couple/$75 per person. Must be at least 21 years of age to attend. Reservations required: 215/898-4890.

Once again, the Museum and Museum Catering Company present beer expert Michael Jackson as part of Philadelphia’s The Book and the Cook. Jackson will provide commentary on a selection of fine beers—followed by an open tasting featuring more than 100 outstanding microbrews from around the world, complimented with food by Museum Catering Company. There are three sessions to choose from: 1:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. $40 per person; $30 members. Reservations required. Must be at least 21 years of age to attend. Tickets to this perennially sold out event go on sale beginning February 19. Call the Annenberg Box Office for tickets: 215/898-3900 between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.

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The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is dedicated to the study and understanding of human history and diversity. Founded in 1887, the Museum has sent more than 350 archaeological and anthropological expeditions to all the inhabited continents of the world. With an active exhibition schedule and educational programming for children and adults, the Museum offers the public an opportunity to share in the ongoing discovery of humankind’s collective heritage.

The Museum is located at 33rd and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays, holidays, and summer Sundays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Admission donation is $5 for adults; $2.50 for senior citizens and students with ID; free to Members, PENNcard holders, and children 6 and under; FREE Sundays through May 20, 2001. The Museum can be found on the world wide web at www.upenn.edu/museum. For general information call 215/898-4000.