How to find us
The Education Commons is located in the George A. Weiss Pavilion next to Franklin Field. Here's how to get here and what to know before you visit.
Education Commons
Today's Hours:
9am - 8pm | Library Hours
Phone:
Email:
Location:
George A. Weiss Pavilion, Mezzanine
Franklin Field, 233 South 33rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
| Directions
The Education Commons is open to the Penn community and is home to a makerspace, crafting space, and reservable study spaces and seminar rooms.
Keep up with us
Access
Note that access to the Education Commons is restricted to members of the Penn community with a valid PennCard.
Reserve a space
Check out the group study rooms, booths, and classrooms you can book in the Education Commons.
Use Specialized Equipment
At the Education Commons, students, faculty, and staff can use our specialized equipment for academic and personal projects alike!
To use the following tools, fill out our consultation form.
- Arduinos
- Basic Art Supplies
- Laminator
- Paper Cutter/Trimmer
- Makey Makey Kits
- Sewing Machine
- Vacuum Former
- Vinyl Cutter
To use the following tools, complete one of our training workshops.
- 3D Printer
- Laser Cutter
- Metal and Jewelry Tools
- Hydraulic Press
- Rolling Mill
Upcoming Workshops
List
- Workshop
October 21, 2025
Reimagining Illumination: Make Your Own Illuminated Initial
On Tuesday, October 21, SIMS Curator for Digital Humanities Dot Porter and Program Coordinator of Technology and Play Christine Kemp will lead a workshop where we will make our own illuminated initials on parchment using gold leaf and paint.
- 2:00pm - 4:00pm
- Kislak Center Vitale II, Rm 623, 6th Floor
Open to the Public
- Workshop
October 23, 2025
Intro to Metals: Guitar Picks with Ormandy Music Library
Learn metalworking basics in a hands-on workshop with the Education Commons and Ormandy Music Library. Use copper or bronze to design and craft your own unique guitar pick.
- 2:00pm - 4:00pm
- Education Commons Makerspace
Open to Penn Students Only
- Workshop
October 27, 2025
Intro to Molding/Casting - Candle Making Workshop Part 2
Turn your 3D-printed objects into beeswax candles using the process of molding and casting.
- 2:00pm - 4:00pm
- Education Commons Makerspace
Open to Penn Students Only
Work with Us
Consultations and Instruction
Fill out our consultation form to request assistance for workshops, collaboration at events, or consultations related to VR or makerspace activities like 3D printing or laser cutting.
Fill out our formFellowship opportunities
We are currently recruiting for the Holsley Digital Literacy Fellowship. This program encourages creative exploration of technologies commonly used in our rapidly evolving 21st century workplace and beyond.
Learn more and applyBlog: Beyond Books and Screens
Meet Our Staff
List
Tex Kang
Program Coordinator for Technology and Play texkang@upenn.edu
Christine Kemp
Program Coordinator of Technology and Play ckemp@upenn.eduLocation and Accessibility
Accessibility
Accessible entry to the Fox Fitness Center and the Education Commons is available on grade and up one floor by elevator, to the mezzanine.
Diagram shows the accessible entrance.
