Please Touch Museum: Difference between revisions

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'''The Please Touch Museum''' is a children's museum dedicated to enriching the lives of children seven years and younger through learning by play. Located in the historic '''Memorial Hall''' in [[Fairmount Park]], the museum is one of America's premier children's museums, featuring interactive exhibits that encourage exploration, creativity, and imagination. The museum's name captures its philosophy—unlike traditional museums where children are told not to touch, here touching is essential.<ref name="ptm">{{cite web |url=https://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/about/ |title=About the Please Touch Museum |publisher=Please Touch Museum |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>
'''The Please Touch Museum''' is a children's museum dedicated to enriching the lives of children seven years and younger through learning by play. You'll find it in the historic '''Memorial Hall''' in [[Fairmount Park]], and it's one of America's top children's museums, featuring interactive exhibits that encourage exploration, creativity, and imagination. The museum's name really captures what it's all about: unlike traditional museums where kids are told not to touch, here touching is essential.<ref name="ptm">{{cite web |url=https://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/about/ |title=About the Please Touch Museum |publisher=Please Touch Museum |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>


Founded in '''1976''' and moved to its current home in Memorial Hall in '''2008''', the Please Touch Museum offers over 40,000 square feet of interactive exhibit space where children can pretend, imagine, create, and discover. The museum's home in Memorial Hall—the only remaining major structure from the 1876 Centennial Exposition—adds historical significance to the family experience.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/please-touch-museum/ |title=Please Touch Museum |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>
Founded in '''1976''' and moved to its current home in Memorial Hall in '''2008''', the Please Touch Museum offers over 40,000 square feet of interactive exhibit space where children can pretend, imagine, create, and discover. Memorial Hall, the only remaining major structure from the 1876 Centennial Exposition, adds real historical depth to what families experience there.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/please-touch-museum/ |title=Please Touch Museum |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
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=== Founding ===
=== Founding ===


The Please Touch Museum was founded in '''1976''' by early childhood educator '''Portia Sperr''', who believed young children learn best through hands-on play. The museum was one of the first children's museums in the country designed specifically for young children.
Early childhood educator '''Portia Sperr''' started the Please Touch Museum in '''1976''' because she believed young children learn best through hands-on play. It was one of the first children's museums in the country built specifically for this age group.


The original location was at 210 North 21st Street, later moving to a location at 21st Street and the Parkway.
The original location sat at 210 North 21st Street, then later moved to 21st Street and the Parkway.


=== Move to Memorial Hall ===
=== Move to Memorial Hall ===


In '''October 2008''', the museum moved to its current home in '''Memorial Hall''', a magnificent Beaux-Arts building in Fairmount Park. The move:
In '''October 2008''', everything changed when the museum relocated to its current home in '''Memorial Hall''', a magnificent Beaux-Arts building in Fairmount Park. The move brought major advantages:
* Provided seven times more space than the previous location
* Seven times more space than before
* Allowed for new and expanded exhibits
* Room for completely new and expanded exhibits
* Restored a historic 1876 Centennial building
* Restoration of a historic 1876 Centennial building
* Created one of the nation's largest children's museums
* Creation of one of the nation's largest children's museums


=== Memorial Hall ===
=== Memorial Hall ===


Memorial Hall was built for the '''1876 Centennial Exposition'''—America's first World's Fair—as the Art Gallery. The grand building features:
Memorial Hall was built for the '''1876 Centennial Exposition'''—America's first World's Fair—as the Art Gallery. The grand building includes:
* Beaux-Arts architecture
* Beaux-Arts architecture
* Glass dome
* Glass dome
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* National Historic Landmark status
* National Historic Landmark status


After the Centennial, Memorial Hall served various purposes before falling into disrepair. The Please Touch Museum's move saved the building and gave it new life.
After the Centennial ended, Memorial Hall got repurposed repeatedly and eventually fell into disrepair. The Please Touch Museum's arrival saved the building and gave it new purpose.


== Exhibits ==
== Exhibits ==
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=== Centennial Carousel ===
=== Centennial Carousel ===


The museum's beloved '''Centennial Carousel''' features:
The museum's beloved '''Centennial Carousel''' is genuinely special:
* Restored antique carousel (originally from Woodside Park)
* Restored antique carousel from Woodside Park
* Hand-carved animals
* Hand-carved animals
* Accessible seating options
* Accessible seating options
* Rides available for small additional fee
* Rides available for a small additional fee
* Historic significance
* Carries real historic significance


=== Fairytale Garden ===
=== Fairytale Garden ===


Outdoor play space (seasonal):
There's an outdoor play space too, though it's seasonal:
* Garden exploration
* Garden exploration
* Nature play
* Nature play
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=== Special Exhibitions ===
=== Special Exhibitions ===


The museum regularly presents traveling exhibitions and develops original shows exploring themes relevant to young children.
Throughout the year, the museum hosts traveling exhibitions and develops original shows. They focus on themes that matter to young children.


== Educational Philosophy ==
== Educational Philosophy ==
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=== Learning Through Play ===
=== Learning Through Play ===


The Please Touch Museum is built on the understanding that:
The whole museum is built on these core beliefs:
* Young children learn best through hands-on exploration
* Young children learn best through hands-on exploration
* Play is essential to healthy development
* Play is essential to healthy development
* Interactive experiences build cognitive skills
* Interactive experiences build cognitive skills
* Social play develops emotional intelligence
* Social play develops emotional intelligence
* Creativity and imagination should be nurtured
* Creativity and imagination deserve nurturing


=== Age-Appropriate Design ===
=== Age-Appropriate Design ===


All exhibits are designed specifically for children seven and younger:
Every exhibit is designed specifically for children seven and younger:
* Safe materials and construction
* Safe materials and construction
* Appropriate height and scale
* Appropriate height and scale
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* '''Daily:''' 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* '''Daily:''' 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas
* Closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas


=== Admission ===
=== Admission ===


* '''All visitors (1+):''' Approximately $22 (check website for current pricing)
* '''All visitors (1+):''' Approximately $22 (check the website for current pricing)
* '''Infants (under 1):''' Free
* '''Infants (under 1):''' Free
* '''Members:''' Free admission
* '''Members:''' Free admission
* Carousel rides: Additional fee
* Carousel rides: Additional fee


Timed-entry tickets are required; advance purchase recommended.
You'll need timed-entry tickets, and they recommend buying in advance.


=== Tips ===
=== Tips ===


* Allow 2-4 hours for a full visit
* Plan for 2-4 hours
* Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds
* Weekday mornings have smaller crowds
* Pack snacks (or use the café)
* Bring snacks or use the café
* Don't miss the carousel
* Don't miss the carousel
* The Wonderland maze is a highlight
* The Wonderland maze is fantastic
* Dress children for active play
* Dress kids for active play


=== Getting There ===
=== Getting There ===


* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Route 38
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Route 38
* '''By Car:''' Located in West Fairmount Park
* '''By Car:''' West Fairmount Park location
* '''Parking:''' Free on-site parking lot
* '''Parking:''' Free on-site parking lot


=== Location ===
=== Location ===


The museum is located in Fairmount Park, not Center City. Plan transportation accordingly—it's about a 20-minute drive from downtown Philadelphia.
The museum sits in Fairmount Park, not downtown. That's important to know for planning. It's roughly a 20-minute drive from Center City Philadelphia.


=== Nearby Attractions ===
=== Nearby Attractions ===


* [[Philadelphia Zoo]] (5-minute drive)
* [[Philadelphia Zoo]] (5-minute drive)
* [[Mann Center]] (adjacent)
* [[Mann Center]] (right next door)
* [[Fairmount Park]] (surrounding)
* [[Fairmount Park]] (surrounding area)
* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]] (10-minute drive)
* [[Philadelphia Museum of Art]] (10-minute drive)


Latest revision as of 23:24, 23 April 2026

Please Touch Museum



TypeChildren's museum
Address4231 Avenue of the Republic
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodFairmount Park
Phone(215) 581-3181
WebsiteOfficial site
Established1976
FounderPortia Sperr
DirectorPatricia Wellenbach
HoursDaily 9 AM - 5 PM
Please Touch Museum(215) 581-31814231 Avenue of the RepublicPhiladelphiaPAUS

The Please Touch Museum is a children's museum dedicated to enriching the lives of children seven years and younger through learning by play. You'll find it in the historic Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, and it's one of America's top children's museums, featuring interactive exhibits that encourage exploration, creativity, and imagination. The museum's name really captures what it's all about: unlike traditional museums where kids are told not to touch, here touching is essential.[1]

Founded in 1976 and moved to its current home in Memorial Hall in 2008, the Please Touch Museum offers over 40,000 square feet of interactive exhibit space where children can pretend, imagine, create, and discover. Memorial Hall, the only remaining major structure from the 1876 Centennial Exposition, adds real historical depth to what families experience there.[2]

History

Founding

Early childhood educator Portia Sperr started the Please Touch Museum in 1976 because she believed young children learn best through hands-on play. It was one of the first children's museums in the country built specifically for this age group.

The original location sat at 210 North 21st Street, then later moved to 21st Street and the Parkway.

Move to Memorial Hall

In October 2008, everything changed when the museum relocated to its current home in Memorial Hall, a magnificent Beaux-Arts building in Fairmount Park. The move brought major advantages:

  • Seven times more space than before
  • Room for completely new and expanded exhibits
  • Restoration of a historic 1876 Centennial building
  • Creation of one of the nation's largest children's museums

Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall was built for the 1876 Centennial Exposition—America's first World's Fair—as the Art Gallery. The grand building includes:

  • Beaux-Arts architecture
  • Glass dome
  • Historic grandeur
  • National Historic Landmark status

After the Centennial ended, Memorial Hall got repurposed repeatedly and eventually fell into disrepair. The Please Touch Museum's arrival saved the building and gave it new purpose.

Exhibits

Permanent Exhibits

Exhibit Focus Ages
Rainforest Rhythm Music, nature, movement All ages
River Adventures Water play, boats, physics All ages
Roadside Attractions Pretend play, driving, vehicles All ages
Flight Fantasy Hot air balloons, flight All ages
Imagination Playground Open-ended block play All ages
Centennial Exploration History, exhibition themes All ages
Wonderland Alice in Wonderland theme All ages

Centennial Carousel

The museum's beloved Centennial Carousel is genuinely special:

  • Restored antique carousel from Woodside Park
  • Hand-carved animals
  • Accessible seating options
  • Rides available for a small additional fee
  • Carries real historic significance

Fairytale Garden

There's an outdoor play space too, though it's seasonal:

  • Garden exploration
  • Nature play
  • Storytelling spaces
  • Fresh air activities

Special Exhibitions

Throughout the year, the museum hosts traveling exhibitions and develops original shows. They focus on themes that matter to young children.

Educational Philosophy

Learning Through Play

The whole museum is built on these core beliefs:

  • Young children learn best through hands-on exploration
  • Play is essential to healthy development
  • Interactive experiences build cognitive skills
  • Social play develops emotional intelligence
  • Creativity and imagination deserve nurturing

Age-Appropriate Design

Every exhibit is designed specifically for children seven and younger:

  • Safe materials and construction
  • Appropriate height and scale
  • Multiple engagement levels for different ages
  • Caregiver-child interaction opportunities

Visiting the Museum

Hours

  • Daily: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas

Admission

  • All visitors (1+): Approximately $22 (check the website for current pricing)
  • Infants (under 1): Free
  • Members: Free admission
  • Carousel rides: Additional fee

You'll need timed-entry tickets, and they recommend buying in advance.

Tips

  • Plan for 2-4 hours
  • Weekday mornings have smaller crowds
  • Bring snacks or use the café
  • Don't miss the carousel
  • The Wonderland maze is fantastic
  • Dress kids for active play

Getting There

  • SEPTA Bus: Route 38
  • By Car: West Fairmount Park location
  • Parking: Free on-site parking lot

Location

The museum sits in Fairmount Park, not downtown. That's important to know for planning. It's roughly a 20-minute drive from Center City Philadelphia.

Nearby Attractions

Programs

Daily Programs

  • Storytime
  • Art activities
  • Music and movement
  • Character visits

Special Events

  • Birthday parties
  • School field trips
  • Camp programs
  • Holiday events
  • Member events

Community Outreach

  • Museum on the Go (traveling programs)
  • Community partnerships
  • Access programs for underserved families

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "About the Please Touch Museum". Please Touch Museum. Retrieved December 30, 2025
  2. ↑ "Please Touch Museum". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025

External Links

Retrieved from "https://philadelphia.wiki/index.php?title=Please_Touch_Museum&oldid=5512"