Shop Penn

Temps will soon be on the rise in University City. Spring is the perfect time to get out and enjoy all that the district has to offer. #ShopPenn is here for you with all the best exhibits, events, and shows to check out throughout the month of April. Find out everything happening with the latest edition of the “Shop Penn Playlist,” a snapshot of the top events being offered around the Penn campus all month.

After Modernism: Selections from the Neumann Family Collection (LAST CHANCE) – Arthur Ross Gallery
Closes April 13

After Modernism: Selections From the Neumann Family Collection examines the prominent private collection of the Neumann Family of more than 3,000 artworks collected from 1948 onward. Featuring more than 50 works traversing the Modernist canon (including Picasso, Miro, and Matisse) to late 20th century contemporary art including Jeff Koons, Keith Haring, Allison Zuckerman, Danny Farrell, and Nina Chanel Abney.

Cyanotype Workshop – Institute of Contemporary Art
April 5

Join ICA for a hands-on cyanotype workshop led by artist and photographer Mandy O’Donohue! Inspired by Carl Cheng’s interest in experimental and alternative photographic processes, O’Donohue will teach participants how to assemble and develop cyanotype prints. Visitors are encouraged to drop in anytime during the posted hours to participate in this free workshop. All materials will be provided. No experience is required.

The 7 Fingers: Duel Reality – Penn Live Arts
April 5

Revered around the world as one of the very best cirque troupes, Canada’s The 7 Fingers makes its Penn Live Arts debut with the Philadelphia premiere of Duel Reality, an acrobatic tour-de-force inspired by the star-crossed lovers and feuding families of Romeo and Juliet. The sporting arena is where we lay our scene, as conflict becomes competition and the lines between love, honor and betrayal blur. A smash hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, this is an immersive, daredevil showdown where the stakes have never been higher.

Hand-on History: Caring for Culture Through Conservation – Penn Museum
April 5

Hands-on History is a series of free workshops for high school students. Meet professionals, gain experience in STEAM-focused workshops, and engage with resources at the Penn Museum. The Penn Museum Conservation Department invites high school students interested in art and science for a day of hands-on activities. Come see what they’re working on in the lab, walk through the galleries to examine objects in the collection, and learn about the conservation techniques that help preserve artwork and cultural heritage for the future.

The Ghouls Next Door Podcast – World Café Live
April 10

Ghouls Next Door is an award-winning media literacy podcast from a horror lens. They explore the real life historical, societal and scientific influences behind our cinematic fears. Co-hosts Gabe and Kat explore the deeper meanings of scary stories and how they reflect our society, giving audiences the tools to engage critically with the media they consume.

Ana Tijoux: The Vida Tour – World Café Live
April 16

Ana Tijoux is the Chilean hip-hop protester. Her cover letter could well be what media outlets like Rolling Stone who chose her as the best rapper in Spanish, The New York Times who points to her as the Latin American response to Lauryn Hill, or magazines like Newsweek who ranks her as the most important Latin American rapper on the international scene.

Steven Page (Formerly of Barenaked Ladies) – World Café Live
April 22

Over the last thirty-five years, Steven Page has established himself as one of the most recognizable and enduring voices in music. The release of his latest album, Excelsior, shows that he has no plans of slowing down anytime soon. Since its release, Steven has toured Canada, the US and the UK with The Steven Page Trio. As a co-founder, vocalist and songwriter for Barenaked Ladies, Steven sang and wrote classics like“Brian Wilson,” “If I Had A Million Dollars,” “What A Good Boy,” “Itʼs All Been Done” and many more.

Penn Relays – Franklin Field
April 24-26

Penn Relays is the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, hosted annually since April 21, 1895 by the University of Pennsylvania at Franklin Field. More athletes run in the Penn Relays than at any other track and field meet in the world. It regularly attracts more than 15,000 participants from high schools, colleges, and track clubs throughout North America and abroad, notably Jamaica, competing in more than 300 events over five days.

365 Days/365 Plays – Penn Live Arts
April 25-26

Three performers take on 20+ characters in 45 minutes. Selecting from Suzan-Lori Parks’ yearlong collection of plays, this performance asks: who controls the narrative? Featuring goddesses, exiled kings, unhinged presidents, writers, muses and some regular folks. Catch this fast-paced production in the Bruce Montgomery Theatre before they tour to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival  in August 2025.

Ancient Alcohol: A Taste of Bygone Booze – Penn Museum
April 26-27

Drinking together has been a tradition for thousands of years. Take an unconventional (and boozy) journey back in time to discover what people of the past thought about alcohol, from how they made it to its role in society. View early drinking vessels that reveal secrets of ancient Greek drinking games and the beverage served at a feast hosted by King Midas. Finish by tasting a beer with a flavor profile inspired by an ancient recipe discovered by a Penn biomolecular archaeologist.