Memorial Hall is the only major building from the 1876 Centennial Exposition that remains standing in its original location.
The 1908 Dentzel Carousel inside the museum was originally built for Woodside Park in Philadelphia.
The museum's building served as the Pennsylvania Pavilion during the 1876 World's Fair.
The structure's dome is inspired by the architecture of the 1873 Vienna Weltausstellung.
The Please Touch Museum is housed within Memorial Hall, a National Historic Landmark originally constructed for the 1876 Centennial Exposition. It is a hands-on children's museum specifically designed for children aged seven and under. The facility features two floors of permanent interactive exhibits focused on imaginative play and early childhood development. A central highlight is a restored 1908 Dentzel Carousel, which operates inside the building. The museum includes a dedicated space for water play, a simulated supermarket, and various thematic areas that mimic real-world environments. It is located within Fairmount Park, a massive urban park system in Philadelphia. The museum focuses on learning through sensory engagement and tactile exploration. It serves as a primary educational resource for early childhood literacy and STEM foundations in the region.
The ornate, historic 1908 Dentzel Carousel inside the Grand Hall.
Check the daily schedule upon arrival for specific programming like story times or carousel ride intervals.
Encourage children to wear comfortable clothing suitable for active, tactile play in water-based or climbing exhibits.
Utilize the designated stroller parking areas to navigate the exhibit floors more easily.
Assuming all exhibits are appropriate for older children; the content is strictly curated for early childhood development.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
Adults must be accompanied by at least one child to enter; all visitors should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes for safety in climbing areas.
