Please Touch Museum
| Type | Children's museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 4231 Avenue of the Republic |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Fairmount Park |
| Phone | (215) 581-3181 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1976 |
| Founder | Portia Sperr |
| Director | Patricia Wellenbach |
| Hours | Daily 9 AM - 5 PM |
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
- Philadelphia Zoo (5-minute drive)
- Mann Center (right next door)
- Fairmount Park (surrounding area)
- Philadelphia Museum of Art (10-minute drive)
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
- Fairmount Park
- 1876 Centennial Exposition
- Philadelphia Zoo
- Family Attractions in Philadelphia
- Memorial Hall
References
- ↑ "About the Please Touch Museum". Please Touch Museum. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Please Touch Museum". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025