Mummers Museum: Difference between revisions
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'''The Mummers Museum''' is | '''The Mummers Museum''' is all about preserving and celebrating the history and traditions of the '''Philadelphia Mummers''', those elaborately costumed performers who parade down Broad Street every New Year's Day in one of America's oldest folk traditions. You'll find it in South Philadelphia at Second Street and Washington Avenue, where the museum showcases spectacular costumes, musical instruments, and the whole story of mummery from its origins right up to today.<ref name="mummers">{{cite web |url=https://mummersmuseum.com/about/ |title=About the Museum |publisher=Mummers Museum |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref> | ||
The Mummers Parade has been a Philadelphia | The Mummers Parade has been a Philadelphia thing since at least 1901, when it was first officially organized, though people trace its roots back to colonial times and European folk customs. Every New Year's Day, thousands of mummers march in those elaborate feathered costumes, playing string bands, doing comic bits, and running fancy brigades. The museum keeps this unique Philadelphia cultural heritage alive and welcomes visitors year-round to see what the spectacle is all about.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/mummers-museum/ |title=Mummers Museum |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref> | ||
== History == | == History == | ||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
=== Origins of Mummery === | === Origins of Mummery === | ||
Philadelphia's Mummer tradition | Philadelphia's Mummer tradition didn't come from one place. It came from several: | ||
* '''Swedish and Finnish settlers:''' Brought folk customs to colonial Philadelphia | * '''Swedish and Finnish settlers:''' Brought folk customs to colonial Philadelphia | ||
* '''English mummers:''' Medieval tradition of costumed performance | * '''English mummers:''' Medieval tradition of costumed performance | ||
| Line 31: | Line 31: | ||
* '''African American traditions:''' Cakewalk and musical influences | * '''African American traditions:''' Cakewalk and musical influences | ||
By the 1800s, New Year's "shooters" (named for firing guns to celebrate) paraded through Philadelphia streets in costume. | By the 1800s, New Year's "shooters" (named for firing guns to celebrate) paraded through Philadelphia streets in costume. That's how it started becoming what we know today. | ||
=== The Official Parade === | === The Official Parade === | ||
The '''Mummers Parade''' | The '''Mummers Parade''' got officially organized in '''1901''' when the city stepped in to sponsor it and hand out prizes. The parade has kept going every New Year's Day since, except during wartime. No breaks, no interruptions, just that one constant tradition. | ||
=== The Museum === | === The Museum === | ||
Opening in '''1976''' as part of America's Bicentennial celebration, the Mummers Museum gave mummer history and artifacts a permanent home. Before that, these treasures didn't have a real place to stay. | |||
== Mummer Divisions == | == Mummer Divisions == | ||
The Mummers Parade | The Mummers Parade breaks down into several divisions, each with its own style and flavor. | ||
=== Comics === | === Comics === | ||
The '''Comic Division''' | The '''Comic Division''' is what you'd expect from the name: | ||
* Satirical themes and political humor | * Satirical themes and political humor | ||
* Less formal costumes than other divisions | * Less formal costumes than other divisions | ||
* Street performance and audience interaction | * Street performance and audience interaction | ||
* Wench brigades (men in women's clothing) | * Wench brigades (men in women's clothing) | ||
They keep things loose and funny. It's about making people laugh. | |||
=== Fancies === | === Fancies === | ||
| Line 60: | Line 62: | ||
* Feathers, sequins, and detailed work | * Feathers, sequins, and detailed work | ||
* Competition for best costume | * Competition for best costume | ||
These are the serious artists. Each person builds a single costume that can take months to complete. | |||
=== String Bands === | === String Bands === | ||
| Line 69: | Line 73: | ||
* The signature "Mummers Strut" | * The signature "Mummers Strut" | ||
Major string bands include Fralinger, Quaker City, and Polish American. | Major string bands include Fralinger, Quaker City, and Polish American. They're the real backbone of the parade. | ||
=== Fancy Brigades === | === Fancy Brigades === | ||
The '''Fancy Brigade Division''' | The '''Fancy Brigade Division''' is the big production: | ||
* Large groups with massive themed presentations | * Large groups with massive themed presentations | ||
* Theatrical performances on the Convention Center stage | * Theatrical performances on the Convention Center stage | ||
| Line 83: | Line 87: | ||
=== Costume Display === | === Costume Display === | ||
The museum's | Walk in and you'll see the centerpiece of the whole operation. The museum's got: | ||
* Historic mummer costumes | * Historic mummer costumes | ||
* Award-winning suits from various decades | * Award-winning suits from various decades | ||
* Backpieces and frame suits | * Backpieces and frame suits | ||
* Evolution of mummer costume design | * Evolution of mummer costume design | ||
The detail work stops you cold. These aren't thrown together. | |||
=== String Band Instruments === | === String Band Instruments === | ||
| Line 97: | Line 103: | ||
* Glockenspiels | * Glockenspiels | ||
* Bass fiddles | * Bass fiddles | ||
You see what makes the music happen. It's not just banjos and drums. | |||
=== Historical Materials === | === Historical Materials === | ||
| Line 104: | Line 112: | ||
* News coverage and memorabilia | * News coverage and memorabilia | ||
* Oral histories | * Oral histories | ||
These pieces tell you how the parade changed and evolved over time. They're the actual record. | |||
=== Interactive Displays === | === Interactive Displays === | ||
| Line 111: | Line 121: | ||
* Audio of string band music | * Audio of string band music | ||
* Costume try-on opportunities | * Costume try-on opportunities | ||
You can actually get a feel for what it's like to be part of this thing. | |||
== Visiting the Museum == | == Visiting the Museum == | ||
| Line 119: | Line 131: | ||
* '''Closed:''' Sunday, Monday, Tuesday | * '''Closed:''' Sunday, Monday, Tuesday | ||
* Extended hours around New Year's | * Extended hours around New Year's | ||
Plan your visit accordingly. You can't just show up on a Tuesday and expect to get in. | |||
=== Admission === | === Admission === | ||
| Line 125: | Line 139: | ||
* '''Seniors/Children:''' Discounted rates | * '''Seniors/Children:''' Discounted rates | ||
* Free outdoor String Band performances (summer, check schedule) | * Free outdoor String Band performances (summer, check schedule) | ||
It won't break the bank. That's one thing about this place. | |||
=== Tips === | === Tips === | ||
* Allow 1 hour for a visit | * Allow 1 hour for a visit | ||
* The costumes are incredibly | * The costumes are incredibly detailed, so look closely | ||
* Watch the parade videos | * Watch the parade videos | ||
* Visit in summer for outdoor string band performances | * Visit in summer for outdoor string band performances | ||
* Best time to visit: around New Year's for parade context | * Best time to visit: around New Year's for parade context | ||
You'll want to slow down and really see things. Don't rush through. | |||
=== Getting There === | === Getting There === | ||
| Line 140: | Line 158: | ||
* '''Walking:''' Located at 2nd Street and Washington Avenue | * '''Walking:''' Located at 2nd Street and Washington Avenue | ||
* '''Parking:''' Street parking available | * '''Parking:''' Street parking available | ||
It's easy to reach from most parts of the city. | |||
=== Nearby Attractions === | === Nearby Attractions === | ||
| Line 147: | Line 167: | ||
* [[South Philadelphia]] | * [[South Philadelphia]] | ||
* [[Philadelphia Sports Complex]] (15-minute drive) | * [[Philadelphia Sports Complex]] (15-minute drive) | ||
You're in one of the best neighborhoods in the city. Make a whole day of it. | |||
== The Mummers Parade == | == The Mummers Parade == | ||
| Line 152: | Line 174: | ||
=== When === | === When === | ||
The Mummers Parade | The Mummers Parade happens every '''New Year's Day''' (January 1). Rain, shine, or snow, it happens. | ||
=== Where === | === Where === | ||
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* '''Viewing:''' Free street viewing along the route | * '''Viewing:''' Free street viewing along the route | ||
* '''Fancy Brigades:''' Indoor finals at Pennsylvania Convention Center | * '''Fancy Brigades:''' Indoor finals at Pennsylvania Convention Center | ||
The parade moves south down Broad Street in a massive procession. It's a full day event. | |||
=== How to Experience === | === How to Experience === | ||
| Line 167: | Line 191: | ||
* Visit South Philadelphia after for "second line" performances | * Visit South Philadelphia after for "second line" performances | ||
* Join the crowds celebrating Philadelphia's unique tradition | * Join the crowds celebrating Philadelphia's unique tradition | ||
That's what living in Philadelphia is about on January 1st. | |||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
Latest revision as of 21:55, 23 April 2026
Mummers Museum
| Type | Cultural history museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 1100 South 2nd Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | South Philadelphia |
| Phone | (215) 336-3050 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1976 |
| Founder | City of Philadelphia |
| Hours | Wed-Sat 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM |
The Mummers Museum is all about preserving and celebrating the history and traditions of the Philadelphia Mummers, those elaborately costumed performers who parade down Broad Street every New Year's Day in one of America's oldest folk traditions. You'll find it in South Philadelphia at Second Street and Washington Avenue, where the museum showcases spectacular costumes, musical instruments, and the whole story of mummery from its origins right up to today.[1]
The Mummers Parade has been a Philadelphia thing since at least 1901, when it was first officially organized, though people trace its roots back to colonial times and European folk customs. Every New Year's Day, thousands of mummers march in those elaborate feathered costumes, playing string bands, doing comic bits, and running fancy brigades. The museum keeps this unique Philadelphia cultural heritage alive and welcomes visitors year-round to see what the spectacle is all about.[2]
History
Origins of Mummery
Philadelphia's Mummer tradition didn't come from one place. It came from several:
- Swedish and Finnish settlers: Brought folk customs to colonial Philadelphia
- English mummers: Medieval tradition of costumed performance
- Irish and German influences: Later immigrant contributions
- African American traditions: Cakewalk and musical influences
By the 1800s, New Year's "shooters" (named for firing guns to celebrate) paraded through Philadelphia streets in costume. That's how it started becoming what we know today.
The Official Parade
The Mummers Parade got officially organized in 1901 when the city stepped in to sponsor it and hand out prizes. The parade has kept going every New Year's Day since, except during wartime. No breaks, no interruptions, just that one constant tradition.
The Museum
Opening in 1976 as part of America's Bicentennial celebration, the Mummers Museum gave mummer history and artifacts a permanent home. Before that, these treasures didn't have a real place to stay.
Mummer Divisions
The Mummers Parade breaks down into several divisions, each with its own style and flavor.
Comics
The Comic Division is what you'd expect from the name:
- Satirical themes and political humor
- Less formal costumes than other divisions
- Street performance and audience interaction
- Wench brigades (men in women's clothing)
They keep things loose and funny. It's about making people laugh.
Fancies
The Fancy Division features:
- Elaborate individual costumes
- Intricate handmade suits
- Feathers, sequins, and detailed work
- Competition for best costume
These are the serious artists. Each person builds a single costume that can take months to complete.
String Bands
The String Band Division features:
- Full musical ensembles playing banjos, saxophones, accordions, and other instruments
- Coordinated costumes and themes
- Original musical arrangements
- The signature "Mummers Strut"
Major string bands include Fralinger, Quaker City, and Polish American. They're the real backbone of the parade.
Fancy Brigades
The Fancy Brigade Division is the big production:
- Large groups with massive themed presentations
- Theatrical performances on the Convention Center stage
- Elaborate floats and scenery
- Indoor judging after the street parade
Museum Exhibits
Costume Display
Walk in and you'll see the centerpiece of the whole operation. The museum's got:
- Historic mummer costumes
- Award-winning suits from various decades
- Backpieces and frame suits
- Evolution of mummer costume design
The detail work stops you cold. These aren't thrown together.
String Band Instruments
Display of traditional mummer instruments:
- Banjos
- Saxophones
- Accordions
- Glockenspiels
- Bass fiddles
You see what makes the music happen. It's not just banjos and drums.
Historical Materials
- Photographs from over a century of parades
- Programs and posters
- News coverage and memorabilia
- Oral histories
These pieces tell you how the parade changed and evolved over time. They're the actual record.
Interactive Displays
- Learn the Mummers Strut
- Video of past parades
- Audio of string band music
- Costume try-on opportunities
You can actually get a feel for what it's like to be part of this thing.
Visiting the Museum
Hours
- Wednesday-Saturday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Closed: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
- Extended hours around New Year's
Plan your visit accordingly. You can't just show up on a Tuesday and expect to get in.
Admission
- Adults: Approximately $5 (check website for current pricing)
- Seniors/Children: Discounted rates
- Free outdoor String Band performances (summer, check schedule)
It won't break the bank. That's one thing about this place.
Tips
- Allow 1 hour for a visit
- The costumes are incredibly detailed, so look closely
- Watch the parade videos
- Visit in summer for outdoor string band performances
- Best time to visit: around New Year's for parade context
You'll want to slow down and really see things. Don't rush through.
Getting There
- SEPTA Broad Street Line: Snyder Station (10-minute walk)
- SEPTA Bus: Routes 47, 57
- Walking: Located at 2nd Street and Washington Avenue
- Parking: Street parking available
It's easy to reach from most parts of the city.
Nearby Attractions
- Italian Market (10-minute walk)
- Geno's and Pat's Steaks (10-minute walk)
- South Philadelphia
- Philadelphia Sports Complex (15-minute drive)
You're in one of the best neighborhoods in the city. Make a whole day of it.
The Mummers Parade
When
The Mummers Parade happens every New Year's Day (January 1). Rain, shine, or snow, it happens.
Where
- Starting point: City Hall area
- Route: South on Broad Street
- Viewing: Free street viewing along the route
- Fancy Brigades: Indoor finals at Pennsylvania Convention Center
The parade moves south down Broad Street in a massive procession. It's a full day event.
How to Experience
- Watch the street parade (dress warmly!)
- Attend the Fancy Brigade finals
- Visit South Philadelphia after for "second line" performances
- Join the crowds celebrating Philadelphia's unique tradition
That's what living in Philadelphia is about on January 1st.
See Also
References
- ↑ "About the Museum". Mummers Museum. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Mummers Museum". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025