Kelsey Museum of Archaeology

A sign outside the Kelsey Museum’s galleries reading, “Kelsey Museum, Family Day, Free.”

Family Day: Children and Play in the Ancient World Our next Family Day takes place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Stop by this free, engaging event that’s fun for all ages!

Free Family Night at the Kelsey Museum Join us for “Unearthing Understanding: Up Close with the Klinsky Archaeologists,” a special event for kids/families featuring conversations with directors of two Klinsky research projects.

Childhood and Textile Craft in Roman Egypt What can a child’s toy teach us about ancient learning? At Karanis, small tools reveal how children in Roman Egypt practiced real skills through play.

Meet the People of Rome Based on real inscriptions in the Kelsey Museum’s collection, five brand-new self-guided tours invite visitors to explore the lives of everyday Romans through the artifacts and monuments that shaped their experiences.

Our Doors are Open to All Audiences Click here for details about how to plan your visit.

Public Tours Tours are free and open to all visitors. Click here to learn more.

Fieldwork Notion Archaeological Survey in western Turkey

Research Conservator working on an Egyptian mummy mask

Publications U-M excavation in Karanis, Egypt, ca. 1927

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Mission

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Interdepartmental Program in Ancient Mediterranean Art and Archaeology (IPAMAA)

Archaeology at Michigan

Regular Hours

Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 AM to 4 PM
Saturdays and Sundays, 11 AM to 4 PM
Closed Mondays and University Holidays

Welcome

AAM Accredited

The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded the nation’s museums.

The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology supports teaching and research on Mediterranean, North African, and Middle Eastern archaeology through stewardship of its rich collections, an active exhibitions program, and sponsorship of ongoing field research. The Kelsey houses a collection of more than 100,000 artifacts, of which approximately 1,500 are on permanent display, and mounts special exhibitions each year. As a museum at a public university, the Kelsey embraces a vigorous public outreach mission, engaging with local residents and visitors of all ages, from kindergarten through retirement. It also serves as the headquarters of the University of Michigan’s graduate program in ancient Mediterranean art and archaeology.

Our galleries are open to all audiences during our regular visiting hours. Click the “Plan Your Visit” button below for more information about what to expect when you arrive.

Plan Your Visit

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The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts’ Look to Michigan campaign priorities connect our rich past to our boundless and bright future. Learn how you can support this legacy of leadership and discovery at the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology.

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