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. 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.[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. The museum's home in Memorial Hall—the only remaining major structure from the 1876 Centennial Exposition—adds historical significance to the family experience.[2]
History
[edit | edit source]Founding
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Permanent Exhibits
[edit | edit source]| 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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Outdoor play space (seasonal):
- Garden exploration
- Nature play
- Storytelling spaces
- Fresh air activities
Special Exhibitions
[edit | edit source]The museum regularly presents traveling exhibitions and develops original shows exploring themes relevant to young children.
Educational Philosophy
[edit | edit source]Learning Through Play
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Daily: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- SEPTA Bus: Route 38
- By Car: Located in West Fairmount Park
- Parking: Free on-site parking lot
Location
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- Philadelphia Zoo (5-minute drive)
- Mann Center (adjacent)
- Fairmount Park (surrounding)
- Philadelphia Museum of Art (10-minute drive)
Programs
[edit | edit source]Daily Programs
[edit | edit source]- Storytime
- Art activities
- Music and movement
- Character visits
Special Events
[edit | edit source]- Birthday parties
- School field trips
- Camp programs
- Holiday events
- Member events
Community Outreach
[edit | edit source]- Museum on the Go (traveling programs)
- Community partnerships
- Access programs for underserved families
See Also
[edit | edit source]- Fairmount Park
- 1876 Centennial Exposition
- Philadelphia Zoo
- Family Attractions in Philadelphia
- Memorial Hall
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "About the Please Touch Museum". Please Touch Museum. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Please Touch Museum". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025