Please Touch Museum facts for kids
Memorial Hall in 2010
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| Established | 2 October 1976 |
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| Location | Memorial Hall, Fairmount Park 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Type | Children's museum |
| Accreditation | American Alliance of Museums |
| Visitors | 566,000 (2011) |
| Founder | Portia Sperr |
| Public transit access |   SEPTA bus: 38, 40 Philly PHLASH |
The Please Touch Museum is a special place for kids in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. It's a children's museum where learning is all about touching and playing. The museum has lots of interactive exhibits and fun events. Most of these are designed for younger children, usually up to seven years old.
Contents
Discovering the Please Touch Museum's History
The Please Touch Museum first opened its doors on October 2, 1976. It started in a small space at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Just two years later, it moved to a bigger spot on Cherry Street. In 1983, the museum moved again to 21st Street, close to the Franklin Institute.
Moving to Memorial Hall: A New Home
On February 14, 2005, the museum got a long-term lease for Memorial Hall. This historic building is located in Fairmount Park. Memorial Hall is the last big building left from the Centennial Exposition of 1876. Before this, there were plans to move the museum to Penn's Landing, but those didn't work out.
Renovations at Memorial Hall began on December 15, 2005. The museum closed its 21st Street location on September 1, 2008. Finally, on October 18, 2008, the museum opened at its current home. This new location offered a much larger space with many more exciting exhibits.
Overcoming Challenges and New Friends
After moving to Memorial Hall, the museum faced some financial challenges. However, it worked hard to get back on track. With the help of generous donations, the museum announced in 2016 that it was debt-free.
The Please Touch Museum also became a place for new friends. On September 24, 2018, the Philadelphia Flyers introduced their new mascot, Gritty, right here. A furry purple monster mascot named Squiggles also joined the fun on October 7, 2018.
Explore the Museum's Fun Exhibits
The Please Touch Museum is packed with hands-on exhibits. Each one is designed to help kids learn through play. Here are some of the exciting areas you can explore:
- Adventure Camp
- Centennial Innovations
- Cents and Sensibility
- Food & Family
- Happy Camper
- Imagination Playground
- Please Touch Garden
- River Adventures
- Roadside Attractions
- Rocket Room
- Storytime Cabin
- Wonderland
- Scale Model of the 1876 Centennial Exhibition
Other Attractions at the Museum
Beyond the main exhibits, the museum also features a classic ride.
- Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel
Engaging Programs for Kids
The museum offers special programs that add to the learning fun. These programs encourage creativity and interaction.
Playhouse Theater: Live Performances
The Playhouse Theater offers live performances by the museum's own performers. These shows are part of the museum experience. They help children learn through music, movement, stories, and puppetry. It's a great way to introduce kids to live arts.
Creative Arts Studio: Hands-On Art
In the Creative Arts Studio, new art experiences are offered every month. Kids can enjoy studio art, sensory art, and manipulative art activities. This studio is a wonderful place for parents and children to create together.
Albert M. Greenfield Makerspace: Invent and Create
The Albert M. Greenfield Makerspace is all about how kids create. It helps children see themselves as "inventors." Through guided and self-directed activities, kids discover that learning happens during the process of making things. The focus is on the journey, not just the final product.
Great Friend to Kids (GFTK) Awards
The Association of Children's Museums started the Great Friend to Kids Award in 1991. This award honors people who have done amazing things to improve education for children. Famous national winners include Fred Rogers (known as "Mister Rogers").
Please Touch Museum's Own GFTK Awards
In 1996, the Please Touch Museum began giving out its own GFTK award. This started to celebrate the museum's 20th birthday. These awards recognize individuals and groups who have made big contributions to making children's lives better. The awards in 2009 were designed by Philadelphia artist Leo Sewell. He is known for creating "Artie the Elephant" at the museum. He also made the Statue of Liberty Arm & Torch from old toys.
See also
- List of children's museums in the United States
- Category:Children's museums in the United States
