The University of Pennsylvania, often known simply as Penn, is one of the United States most prestigious universities and a part of the Ivy League group of schools. As a highly competitive university with a large list of notable alumni, the school is a leading centre of academic excellence and sporting prowess. Alongside its academic and sporting achievements, the university is particularly highly regarded for its prolific research output, contributing valuable research and findings towards many academic disciplines.
The campus of the University of Pennsylvania is modelled on Gothic architecture and is home to many fantastic architectural gems and artistic installations. Some of the notable sculptures and monuments to be found include “The Button” just south of Van Pelt Library. The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is another must-visit attraction at the campus. As well as being set amidst beautiful grounds and gardens, inside the museum there are many important artefacts from around the world.
Visitors coming from central Philadelphia can easily access the University of Pennsylvania due to the city’s excellent public transportation networks which include public buses, train lines, subway lines and a trolley network. Private vehicle owners may also be able to find parking either at a local garage or metered street parking. The city of Philadelphia is served by Philadelphia International Airport, located just outside of the city. This large airport operates flights to and from various global destinations and is linked to central Philadelphia by the Septa Airport Line or by taxi.
The University of Pennsylvania was first established in 1740 and has produced many of the country’s most prominent individuals including eight signers of the United States Declaration of Independence and one U.S. President, reflecting its importance in the history of the country. The University of Pennsylvania has just under 25,000 students and ranks highly in many inter-collegial sports competitions including basketball and American football.