This year’s theme is a “Holiday Passport to Cultures,” and all visitors receive Museum “passports” with itineraries to visit Penn Museum International Classroom speakers and learn about holiday traditions in countries around the world. The day also features international music and dancing, choir music by children, exotic face painting, balloon art, international family crafts, free treats for children, and more!

Peace Around the World is co-sponsored by the Middle East Center, the Center for East Asian Studies and the African Studies Center all of the University of Pennsylvania, and the Museum’s volunteer Women’s Committee.

“We are delighted to offer this free, annual holiday ‘gift’ to the community,” noted Dr. Richard Hodges, Penn Museum’s Williams Director. “As the holiday season approaches, all of our thoughts naturally turn to connecting with others, near and far—and to our higher aspirations of one world at peace.”

Guests can pick up their “passports” when they enter Penn Museum, before “departing” on their world tour. Four of Penn Museum’s International Classroom program presenters will be on hand in different galleries, ready to share aspects of the history, festivals, language and social customs of their countries through special programs and activities—and to stamp visitors’ passports. Passports stamped with all four countries can be taken to the Pyramid Shop for Children to receive a small world-traveler prize.

In the Lower Egyptian gallerey, Hasan Ayaz from Izmir, Turkey, a graduate student in biomedical engineering at Drexel University, will talk about the achievements of Turkey’s legendary hero and father, Mustafa Kemal, in revolutionizing Turkey’s culture and policies. Mustafa Kemal eternalized his political view with his famous motto “peace at home, peace around the world.” Hasan will introduce Penn Museum travelers to an amazing mix of ancient and modern culture, traditions, religion, art and architecture of Turkey.

Surrounded by monumental Chinese art, Chia-Yin Pan from Taiwan, will greet visitors in the Chinese Rotunda and teach guests about the world’s tallest building, Taipei 101, and other cultural sites of Taiwan. Chia-Yin, an instructor for international students at Penn Weingarten Learning Resources Center, will also share her favorite Taiwanese festivals, Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival, with pictures and traditional Chinese objects.

In the Upper Egyptian gallery, sisters Hala Attia and Maha Attia from Egypt will introduce visitors to the festivities of two major Egyptian holidays, Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha. Hala and Maha will also demonstrate Arabic calligraphy and writing, and offer visitors a tasty traditional treat.

Chioma Ancholonu, a performing artist from Nigeria, will welcome visitors in the Museum’s African Gallery. Chioma will introduce her guests to a Nigerian celebration, Moonlight Games, teaching Igbo dance steps and drumming.

In-between traveling to these different “countries” visitors can enjoy musical performances throughout the afternoon. Two of a Kind, an award-winning, nationally touring, husband-wife duo, performs at 1:30 pm in the Lower Egyptian gallery. As specialists in interactive musical programs for children and families, Two of a Kind’s performance emphasizes participation. In the Upper Egyptian gallery, Joe Tayoun offers a Middle Eastern Drum Workshop from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visitors can bring their own hand drum to participate with in this interactive workshop. Regional school children join in the celebration, offering holiday-oriented choral music that fills the galleries and reverberates from the grand stairwell throughout the afternoon. Featured singing group the Episcopal Academy Middle School Singers lend their voices to the festivities.

There’s a little bit of Hype in the program as well, as the University of Pennsylvania’s own high energy, Indian Fusion Dance Group, offers a half-hour performance in the Upper Egyptian Gallery at 3:00 p.m.

From 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. artists from Peanutbutter’s face painting troupe transform faces with their sparkly and sophisticated face painting. Guests can also get balloon animals courtesy of the Family Fun Entertainment Company.

In the Chinese Rotunda, children under 12 can refuel between activities with a free cupcake and soda and families can work together to create a memorable snow globe holiday gift at special craft tables. Also in the Rotunda, visitors can also sign up for “E-Musings,” Penn Museum’s free monthly e-newsletter, and be entered into a drawing to win a gift certificate good for purchases in the Museum shops.

The three shops are joining in the festivities as well, offering 10% discounts on all purchases over $5.00 (20% off for Museum members). Shoppers will find a wealth of gift possibilities from around the world. Plus, on this special day only, Penn Museum offers visitors a $25 discount on family memberships! The Museum Café gets into the spirit, with a variety of hot entrees and holiday desserts available for purchase.

The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is dedicated to the study and understanding of human history and diversity. Founded in 1887, Penn Museum has sent more than 400 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. -- www.museum.upenn.edu