Since 1998, the University of Pennsylvania Museum’s celebrated exhibit, “Treasures from the Royal Tombs of Ur,” has toured 11 sites in 10 American cities. On March 13, it returns for a limited time to its Philadelphia home.

The 4,500 year-old Sumerian collection features about 200 objects uncovered in a joint expedition in the late 1920s organized by the Museum and the British Museum. Until September 2004, visitors can marvel at treasures from Mesopotamia—present-day Iraq—such as an elaborate “Ram in the Thicket” statuette and majestic lapis lazuli and carnelian jewelry.

To coincide with the return of the exhibit, the Museum will host an Ancient Near East celebration on March 13, with a host of activities for scholar and child alike. John Curtis of the British Museum will lecture on “Archaeology and Cultural Heritage in Iraq: An Update” at 2 p.m. Children’s arts and crafts activities will run from noon to 4 p.m. For a complete schedule of events, visit the Museum’s Web site: www.museum.upenn.edu.

- TREASURE CHEST: The Ancient Near East Celebration marks the reopening of “Treasures from the Royal Tombs of Ur” on March 13. Arabian music, belly dancers, workshops for all ages and children’s activities will run from noon to 4:30 p.m. Free with admission: general admission $8; students/senior citizens $5; members/children/Penncard holders free.