Philly museum wants to know if you believe in magic

Learn about spells and curses used throughout history

Do you believe in magic? The Penn Museum will explore ancient magic in new exhibit.
Courtesy of Penn Museum/PhillyVoice

Do you believe in magic? Many in the ancient world did. In the new exhibit "Magic in the Ancient World," the Penn Museum looks in-depth at objects once used for magic in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome. 

On Nov. 12, the museum will host a special celebration of ancient and modern magic in conjunction with the new exhibit. 

The event will feature discussions on spells, curses, lucky numbers, amulets and divinationThere will also be guided tours and palm or tarot card readings.

The schedule of events:

11 a.m. "Divination in Ancient Greece and Rome" talk by Peter Struck

Noon to 1:30 p.m. Tarot card readings (first-come, first-served)

12:30 p.m. "Magic in the Ancient World" gallery tour with Michael Freeman

1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Palm readings (first-come, first-served)

1:30 p.m. "Divination in Far East" talk by Adam Smith

2 p.m. "Magic in the Ancient World" gallery tour with Michael Freeman

2:30 p.m. Divination workshop with Jean Turfa

3 p.m. "Divination in Ancient Mesopotamia" talk by Ann Guinan

All activities in the celebration are free with museum admission, which is $10-$15 per person.


Magic in the Ancient World Celebration

Saturday, Nov. 12
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free with museum admission
Penn Museum
3260 South St.
(215) 898-4000