Ancient Alcohol: A Taste of Bygone Booze Returns to Penn Museum With Interactive Tour and Tasting Experience
Ancient Alcohol: A Taste of Bygone Booze Returns to Penn Museum With Interactive Tour and Tasting Experience
Step back in time and sip your way through history as “Ancient Alcohol: A Taste of Bygone Booze” returns to the Penn Museum this April. This one-of-a-kind experience blends archaeology, storytelling, and craft brewing into an engaging tour designed for curious minds and adventurous palates alike.
This guided tour explores the role alcohol played across ancient civilizations—from daily rituals to elaborate feasts. Guests will learn how early societies brewed and consumed beverages, and how drinking culture shaped social life thousands of years ago. Tickets are $41 for general | $37 for members and can be purchased at penn.museum.
- Ages: 21+
Along the way, attendees will view rare artifacts, including ancient drinking vessels that offer insight into:
- Greek drinking games and symposium culture
- Feasting traditions tied to figures like King Midas
- Early fermentation techniques and ingredients
The experience concludes with a modern twist: a beer tasting inspired by an ancient recipe uncovered by a Penn biomolecular archaeologist. The result is a unique flavor profile that connects today’s craft beer movement with its ancient roots.
Designed as both educational and interactive, the event offers a fresh way to experience the museum beyond traditional exhibits. Guests are also encouraged to explore the galleries before or after the tour, making it a full cultural outing.
Tour Dates (2:00 – 3:30 p.m.):
- April 11
- April 12
- April 18
- April 19
