kelsey museum of archaeology

WItraveler2000

Located around the U of M campus area. Parking was about 1/4 away in parking ramp. No charge for museum. They claimed to have over 25,000 Egyptian artifacts but only about 5% on display. Displays were nice but a little disappointing if you are an Egypt fan. They have a very small gift shop run by students. Kind of small but worth seeing if you happened to be in the area.

11CourtneyP

Really informative, small selection, but they make use of a small area. I was really excited to see everything, and even the building it is housed in is beautiful.

Oldie49

We have enjoyed many visits to the Museum of Archaeology. Various areas are enjoyable for children of different ages. Interesting collections of stuffed animals and prehistoric skeletons. The collection is showing its age in many regards, but limits in funding mean that upgrades are unlikely in the near future. Still worth a visit.

ariek2014

Recently enjoyed a one hour visit to the Kelsey. Arranged to have a guide from the museum take me and my family on a tour of the very interesting collection of ancient artifacts.

mordecai12

The roman display was well explained. This museum belongs to the university so it gives a scholastic explanation- If you see the same things in Italy, there is hardly any explanation

a2jamied

Since the expansion, the layout of the exhibits are very informative! If you are on campus, I highly recommend a visit.

monicav762

Plan to spend some time here. There is a ton to see and lots of artifacts to learn about. Great way to spend an afternoon.

CarolB173

Other reviews have noted the museum's own lovely architecture, excellent collection, and thoughtful exhibitions, all of which we heartily agree with! This is truly a small wonder. What we've come to appreciate most however is the museum's inspired and informative curator tours, docent tours, exhibition openings, and graduate student talks about ongoing excavation field work. The Kelsey opens views of the meaning and context of the collection in a delightful way. If you can plan your visit, check the website first to see when a tour, lecture, or exhibit reception is being held, and go then----all free and welcoming. Please note the papyri collection is actually mostly housed in the UM Library and is not available to the public, due to its fragile nature. There's plenty else to enjoy here!

charles6346

Excellent small museum. The old house leads to a modern museum. The museum is free. There are lots of Roman and Egyptian pieces.

eileen65

We went with our grandchildren and found it just the right size for them - and us!! An excellent array of artifacts.

fenmen

This is a great museum if you want a taste of ancient art without being overwhelmed by size and their Etruscan room is a gem. It's location is also great - right across from UMichigans art museum so going to both in a visit is easy. Parking is often a problem so consider parking 10 minutes away in the Maynard Street Parking Structure. Walk through the Arcade shopping 'mall.' It's also a gem.

DMGAmes_Iowa

Of particular interest to my wife and me was the archaeology of the Greek-Roman rural town of Karanis in Egypt. The museum exhibits a wide range of articles of everyday life whereas most museums show only artifacts from the tombs of Egyptian and Hellenistic royalty and nobles. The displays are well organized and the informational labels very instructive. And to top all that, the museum fits all budgets - - admission is free!

marleymom1824

This delightful museum on the campus of U of M has an extensive collection of Egyptian, Greek and Roman artifacts. This beautiful example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture has a large exhibit wing, completed in 2009, that is home to a watercolor rendition of the "Villa of the Mysteries" on the second floor, as well as many other artworks and artifacts from the ancient world.

Globalphile

If you have time, check out this small museum on the University of Michigan campus. I saw a wonderful photography exhibition contrasting the ruins of Petra Jordan to the decay of downtown Detroit.

KeikoM_13

A pleasant experience, the museum is not large, but features many artifacts and artworks from the ancient and medieval world in the Mediterranean and Near East.The collection includes colorfully-painted ancient Egyptian mummy, Greeks (pottery), ancient Roman sculpture, Etruscans, Persia,...