The performing arts at Penn: Process, practice, and purpose Arts & Humanities The performing arts at Penn: Process, practice, and purpose In the vivid tapestry of performing arts groups at Penn, students prepare for their performances while simultaneously enriching their college experience. 2 min. read
Who, What, Why: Alicia Meyer on the wonders of the Kislak Center Arts & Humanities Who, What, Why: Alicia Meyer on the wonders of the Kislak Center As curator of research services, Meyer wants students from every discipline to visit the Kislak Center and to find new insights from old materials. 2 min. read
Celebrating history and possibility on Market Street The site of Meantime on Market on the 900 block of Market Street.(Image: Charlie Shuck for Meantime) Celebrating history and possibility on Market Street As Philadelphia celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, one of the City’s founding streets is back in the spotlight. 2 min. read
Philly Anthems: WXPN commemorates America 250 through local music In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, WXPN will roll out Philly Anthems this July through the fall. The timely project showcases original, freedom-themed songs from a Philadelphia-based cohort of seasoned and emerging musicians.nocred Philly Anthems: WXPN commemorates America 250 through local music This month, WXPN rolls out its Philly Anthems project, featuring original songs from a Philadelphia-based group of seasoned and emerging musicians prompted by a timely theme: freedom. 2 min. read
The concept, popularity, and dismissal of the ‘beach read’ Cheryl Krementz of Penn Business Services—which oversees the Penn Bookstore—says that a beach read “leans toward the ‘lighter’ genre: romantasy, light science fiction, memoir and cozy mysteries, true crime.” She describes the bookstore’s selection as “very Penn beach reads,” as they are “fun and breezy with a little bit of intellect in it.”nocred The concept, popularity, and dismissal of the ‘beach read’ Penn Today talked about beach reads with comparative literature Ph.D. candidate Angelina Eimannsberger, whose dissertation focuses on women readers, social media, the romance genre, and bookstores. 3 min. read
A historic ode to the Fourth of July—in the Penn Libraries A broadside of “An Ode for the Fourth of July, 1788,” written by Francis Hopkinson. The copy, which previously belonged to Benjamin Franklin, is part of the Francis Hopkinson Collections at the Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts. (Image: Courtesy of Penn Libraries) A historic ode to the Fourth of July—in the Penn Libraries “An Ode for the Fourth of July, 1788” is a songsheet by 1757 graduate and Declaration of Independence signer Francis Hopkinson held in the Kislak Center. It represents an early celebration of a new nation and a reckoning with what patriotism in a burgeoning democracy should look like. 3 min. read
Arthur Ross Gallery to launch America 250 exhibition this fall “Back of the State House, Philadelphia”. Plate 22 from “The City of Philadelphia as it appeared in the Year 1800”. Published by W. Birch, Springland Cot. near Neshaminy Bridge on the Bristol Road; Pennsylvania. Decr. 31st 1800. University of Pennsylvania Art Collection, Philadelphia.(Image: Courtesy of the Arthur Ross Gallery) Arthur Ross Gallery to launch America 250 exhibition this fall ‘At Liberty: Life in the City of Brotherly Love During the Early Republic’ will be on view Aug. 28 through Dec. 31. The fall exhibition, located in the Arthur Ross Gallery, will consider the role of visual culture and perceptions of Philadelphia during the era of the Revolution. 1 min. read
‘Migrating Lives: Celebrating Communities Through Participatory Murals’ The completed canvases were photographed together—by alum Bryan Lathrop—to make one large mural. Lathrop and his wife, Tatiana Olmedo, each painted their own canvases as well.(Image: Bryan Lathrop) ‘Migrating Lives: Celebrating Communities Through Participatory Murals’ A yearlong mural project celebrating the beauty of immigration has brought together Penn students, staff, faculty, and alums—along with community members across the Philadelphia area. 2 min. read
Dean Mark Trodden on what’s next for Penn Arts & Sciences Mark Trodden, dean of the School of Arts & Sciences.nocred Dean Mark Trodden on what’s next for Penn Arts & Sciences Dean Trodden reflects on his first year on the job, how the School of Arts & Sciences is supporting students’ futures through curriculum innovation, the new Physical Sciences Complex, and other initiatives. 6 min. read
Reading manuscripts in the digital space with handwritten text recognition Image: Johner Images via Getty Images Reading manuscripts in the digital space with handwritten text recognition Penn Libraries staff are using the platform eScriptorium to build machine-learning models that can transcribe handwritten manuscripts from across the world. 2 min. read
ICA Philadelphia’s fall 2026 season explores land, solidarity, and the politics of belonging ICA Philadelphia’s fall 2026 season explores land, solidarity, and the politics of belonging The fall season’s exhibits are anchored by a major group exhibition and a new “Entryways” public art commission, beginning on Sept. 26.
Weitzman externships in retrospect: Aidan Williams Weitzman Master of Architecture student Aidan Williams.nocred Weitzman externships in retrospect: Aidan Williams The Weitzman Master of Architecture student spent his externship with in situ studio, a small design-based architecture practice. 2 min. read
