Mummers Museum in Philadelphia – What Mummery is All About

‘The Life of a Mummer – Museums in Philadelphia’

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History of the Mummers Museum

The Mummers Museum opened in 1976, which is a museum that represents an old Philadelphia tradition of Mummery. The first Mummers Parade was in 1901, and the pride and tradition of Philadelphians has grown into an all day affair with thousands of participants.

The Mummers Museum Atmosphere and Experience

The Mummers Museum showcases an elaborate collection of memorabilia to include costumes, a few of which date back to the turn of the century. One must understand the ‘Life of a Mummer’, that these individuals practice year round. You can push buttons to compose your own Mummers medley and learn the Mummers Strut. There are also filmed highlights of past parades that are shown on the second floor.

The Mummers Museum conducts programs for both children and adults and every Tuesday evening from May through September, the museum holds a free outdoor string band concert. Refreshments are served at 7:30 pm and the concert starts at 8:00 pm. Each band takes one turn during this stretch. For schedule, click here.

There are many museums in Philadelphia, but if you are visiting Philadelphia and have never experienced the Mummers Parade, you should check out the Mummers Museum. Get a feel for what takes place on New Year’s Day and understand what goes into the parade and the ‘Life of a mummer’. You can also get a better understanding and appreciation by reading some of the articles below.

Location

1100 South 2nd Street (2nd St at Washington Ave)
Philadelphia, PA 19147 

Hours

Wednesday – Saturday  |  9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Closed Sunday – Tuesday & All Holidays

Cost

Adults – $3.50
Children under 12 – $2.50
Student – $2.50
Senior (AARP) – $2.50

Phone

(215) 336-3050

Web Site

• Mummers Museum

Related Articles About Museums in Philadelphia

• Fireman’s Hall Museum
• Franklin Institute
• Mummers Museum
• National Museum of American Jewish History
• National Liberty Museum
• Philadelphia Museum of Art – Fairmount Park, PA
• Philadelphia History Museum aka Atwater Kent Museum
• Please Touch Museum – interactive museum for kids
• Rodin Museum

Related Articles About the Mummers in Philadelphia

• The Mummers Parade in Philadelphia – A Long Standing Tradition
• Mummers Museum
• The Hegeman String Band – A Behind the Scenes Interview – Part 1
• The Hegeman String Band – Leading up to New Year’s Day – Part 2
• The Mummers Parade – with the Hegeman Band – Behind the scenes – Part 3
• The Birth of String Bands