Editing Please Touch Museum

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Please Touch Museum
| image =
| image_caption = Please Touch Museum in Memorial Hall
| type = Children's museum
| address = 4231 Avenue of the Republic
| neighborhood = Fairmount Park
| coordinates = 39.9788,-75.2093
| phone = (215) 581-3181
| website = https://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org
| established = 1976
| founder = Portia Sperr
| director = Patricia Wellenbach
| collections = Interactive children's exhibits
| visitors = 400,000+ annually
| 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. 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>

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>

== History ==

=== 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.

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

=== 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:
* Provided seven times more space than the previous location
* Allowed for new and expanded exhibits
* Restored a historic 1876 Centennial building
* Created 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 features:
* Beaux-Arts architecture
* Glass dome
* Historic grandeur
* 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.

== Exhibits ==

=== Permanent Exhibits ===

{| class="wikitable"
! 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''' features:
* Restored antique carousel (originally from Woodside Park)
* Hand-carved animals
* Accessible seating options
* Rides available for small additional fee
* Historic significance

=== Fairytale Garden ===

Outdoor play space (seasonal):
* Garden exploration
* Nature play
* Storytelling spaces
* Fresh air activities

=== Special Exhibitions ===

The museum regularly presents traveling exhibitions and develops original shows exploring themes relevant to young children.

== Educational Philosophy ==

=== Learning Through Play ===

The Please Touch Museum is built on the understanding that:
* 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 should be nurtured

=== Age-Appropriate Design ===

All exhibits are 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
* Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas

=== Admission ===

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

Timed-entry tickets are required; advance purchase recommended.

=== Tips ===

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

=== Getting There ===

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

=== Location ===

The museum is located in Fairmount Park, not Center City. Plan transportation accordingly—it's about a 20-minute drive from downtown Philadelphia.

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[Philadelphia Zoo]] (5-minute drive)
* [[Mann Center]] (adjacent)
* [[Fairmount Park]] (surrounding)
* [[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 ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://www.pleasetouchmuseum.org Please Touch Museum Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/please-touch-museum/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Please Touch Museum Philadelphia - Children's Museum in Memorial Hall
|description=Visit the Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia's premier children's museum. Interactive exhibits for kids 7 and under in historic Memorial Hall at Fairmount Park. Learning through play, carousel rides, and family fun.
|keywords=Please Touch Museum, children's museum Philadelphia, kids museum Philadelphia, Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park, family activities Philadelphia, interactive museum kids, carousel Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Fairmount Park]]
[[Category:Family Attractions]]
[[Category:Historic Sites]]
[[Category:Children's Attractions]]