Editing Memorial Hall

{{Infobox Park
| name = Memorial Hall
| image =
| image_caption = Memorial Hall with dome in West Fairmount Park
| type = Historic building / Park site
| location = Fairmount Park (West)
| coordinates = 39.9790,-75.2100
| area = Part of West Fairmount Park
| established = 1876 (Centennial Exhibition)
| operated_by = Please Touch Museum / Fairmount Park
| features = Beaux-Arts building, Please Touch Museum, grounds
| hours = Museum hours; grounds always accessible
| transit = SEPTA bus 38
| website = https://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org
}}

'''Memorial Hall''' is a monumental Beaux-Arts building in [[Fairmount Park|West Fairmount Park]], the only major structure remaining from the '''1876 Centennial Exhibition'''—America's first World's Fair. Originally built as the Exhibition's art gallery, the building now houses the '''Please Touch Museum''', a renowned children's museum. The surrounding grounds retain elements of the Centennial landscape.<ref name="memorial">{{cite web |url=https://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org/about/memorial-hall/ |title=Memorial Hall |publisher=Please Touch Museum |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

Memorial Hall connects Philadelphia to its role as the birthplace of America's World's Fair tradition.

== History ==

=== Centennial Exhibition ===

The '''1876 Centennial International Exhibition''' celebrated America's 100th birthday:
* First official World's Fair in the United States
* Held in Fairmount Park
* 10 million visitors
* Introduced Americans to new technologies (telephone, typewriter)
* Showcased American industrial achievement

=== Memorial Hall's Role ===

Built as the '''Art Gallery''' for the Exhibition:
* Housed fine arts displays
* Designed to be permanent (unlike most fair buildings)
* Cost $1.5 million (enormous sum in 1876)
* Intended to become Philadelphia's art museum

=== Architecture ===

Designed by '''Hermann Schwarzmann''':
* Beaux-Arts style
* Iron and glass dome
* Grand entrance pavilions
* Fireproof construction (for art protection)
* Renaissance revival details

=== Post-Centennial ===

After the Exhibition:
* Served as Philadelphia's art museum until 1928
* Art collection moved to new Philadelphia Museum of Art
* Building used for various purposes
* 2008: Please Touch Museum moved in after major renovation

== Features ==

=== The Building ===

'''Architectural highlights:'''
* Massive central dome (150 feet high)
* Grand entrance stairs
* Ornamental sculptures
* Original ironwork and details
* Restored interior spaces

=== Please Touch Museum ===

'''Children's museum''' occupying the building:
* Interactive exhibits for children
* Focus on learning through play
* Multiple themed areas
* Special programs and events
* One of the country's premier children's museums

=== Grounds ===

'''Surrounding parkland:'''
* Remnants of Centennial landscape
* Open lawn areas
* Mature trees
* Picnic facilities

=== Centennial District ===

The area includes:
* Ohio House (preserved Centennial state building)
* Japanese Tea House site (original inspired Shofuso)
* Horticultural Hall site (demolished)
* Landscape features from 1876

== Visiting ==

=== Please Touch Museum ===

'''Hours:'''
* Check museum website for current hours
* Closed some holidays
* Timed tickets may be required

'''Admission:'''
* Museum admission fee
* Memberships available
* Free for children under 1

=== The Building Exterior ===

* Viewable anytime
* Walk around for architecture appreciation
* Grounds accessible during park hours

=== Getting There ===

'''Location:''' Avenue of the Republic, West Fairmount Park

'''By Public Transit:'''
* SEPTA Bus 38 to Memorial Hall

'''By Car:'''
* Parking lot adjacent to building
* Enter Fairmount Park via Belmont Avenue

=== Tips ===

* Please Touch Museum is best for ages 7 and under
* The building's architecture is impressive even without museum visit
* Combine with Shofuso Japanese House nearby
* The dome is beautiful from inside

== Centennial Legacy ==

Memorial Hall represents:
* America's first World's Fair
* Philadelphia's international moment
* 19th-century civic ambition
* Adaptive reuse success

== Nearby ==

* '''[[Shofuso Japanese House and Garden]]''' — West Fairmount Park
* '''[[Fairmount Park]]''' — Surrounding park
* '''[[Belmont Plateau]]''' — Views nearby
* '''[[Mann Center]]''' — Performance venue
* '''[[Philadelphia Zoo]]''' — Nearby

== See Also ==

* [[Fairmount Park]]
* [[1876 Centennial Exhibition]]
* [[Please Touch Museum]]
* [[Shofuso Japanese House and Garden]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org Please Touch Museum]
* [https://myphillypark.org Fairmount Park Conservancy]

{{#seo:
|title=Memorial Hall Philadelphia - 1876 Centennial Building & Please Touch Museum
|description=Guide to Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park. Only surviving major building from 1876 Centennial Exhibition, now home to Please Touch Museum.
|keywords=Memorial Hall Philadelphia, Please Touch Museum, 1876 Centennial Exhibition, Fairmount Park, Philadelphia World's Fair, Philadelphia children's museum
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Parks]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Fairmount Park]]
[[Category:Architecture]]
[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Family]]