Experience
Arts & Culture at Penn

One step on Penn’s campus is all you need to fall in love. Dive a bit deeper into the surplus of arts and cultural activities, and you’re hooked for life. As President Magill’s Inauguration intersects with Homecoming Weekend, it provides an exceptional opportunity to showcase all that Penn has to offer.

Those on campus are encouraged to participate in an organized “Gallery Hop,” touring the University’s world-class art galleries; browse pottery, paintings, jewelry, and more at the Alumni Arts Fair; cheer a stellar band to super-stardom at the annual Blutt Band Slam; take part in an architectural or sculpture tour; listen in on a lecture with Penn faculty, and much, much more.

Highlighted Events:

Friday, October 21, 2022:

Charters, Seals, and Keys: Penn Presidential Insignia and Inaugurations
Henry Charles Lea Library in Van Pelt-Dietrich Library, 3420 Walnut St.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and also 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 22.
This display, on the occasion of the inauguration of Liz Magill, Penn’s ninth president, will highlight the historical documents and traditional insignia of Penn and University presidents. Penn’s founding charters and constitutions from 1749, 1753, and 1755, along with the ceremonial keys of the University used in inaugurations since 1895, will be displayed, as well as documents from past inaugurations.

Arts at Homecoming Launch Party
Arthur Ross Gallery inside Fisher Fine Arts Library, 220 S. 34th St.
4 to 6 p.m.
See the latest exhibition at the Arthur Ross Gallery, and help celebrate all of Penn’s arts and culture gems a happy birthday.

Kelly Writers House 25th Anniversary Party
Kelly Writers House, 3805 Locust Walk
6 to 9 p.m.
The Kelly Writers House turns 25! Join in on the fun, celebrating the center’s history and community. This informal Friday evening gathering will have food and drink—and plenty of conversation. Attendees are invited to check out the Wexler studio, the renovated Arts Café, and more.

Paint the Dance Floor: ’90s Edition
Institute of Contemporary Arts, 118 S. 36th St.
7 to 10 p.m.
Take part in Paint the Dance Floor—a night of drinks, dancing, and art at the Institute of Contemporary Art. A DJ will be spinning favorite hits from the ’90s and today. The event is free and open to all. Paint the Dance Floor is presented by ICA, in collaboration with the Weitzman School of Design, The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation, and Arts at Homecoming.

Saturday, October 22:

Alumni Arts Fair
Locust Walk, by the LOVE sculpture, Blanche Levy Park
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrate the return of the Penn Alumni Arts Fair, featuring alumni artists and friends of the Penn community. Limited space is available, so be sure to register early.

Tour of Biotech Commons
Biotech Commons, Johnson Pavilion, 3610 Hamilton Walk
10 to 11 a.m.
Explore the newly renovated space. Open to the Penn community as a center of information access and idea generation, the Biotech Commons functions as a hub to enhance the intellectual vitality of the University by providing an extraordinary user experience for all.

The Role of Art in Human Healing and Flourishing
Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Hear a panel of Penn experts discuss how and why arts and culture is so important to human wellbeing, and how they will keep us thriving in the post-COVID era.

University-School-Community Partnerships through Arts & Culture
Harold Prince Theatre, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St.
2:30 to 3:45 p.m., reception to follow
In celebration of the Netter Center’s 30th Anniversary, join the Netter team and partners for a lively panel discussion and short performances by Penn and West Philadelphia students showcasing arts and culture activities from Academically Based Community Service courses and University-Assisted Community Schools programs.

Ravi Coltrane Quintet: The Music of John & Alice Coltrane
Zellerbach Theater, Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St.
8 to 10 p.m.
In the Philadelphia premiere of his Cosmic Music program, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane leads a contemporary exploration of the groundbreaking, mystical and spiritual music of his legendary parents. Use code HOMECOMING for a special 50 percent off discount.

Sunday, October 23:

Elderflora: A Modern History of Ancient Trees
Widener Visitor Center, Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.
1 to 3 p.m.
Join in on the official book launch of “Elderflora: A Modern History of Ancient Trees,” by prize-winning author, historian, and Penn’s Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History Jared Farmer. A presentation by the author will be followed by a Q&A and time for book signing. Advance registration is required. All event registrants will receive complimentary admission to the Morris Arboretum for the day.

Visit the 2022 Homecoming website for a full list of planned arts and cultural happenings on campus.