Please Touch Museum to Reduce Operating Hours While Maintaining Existing Programs

The Please Touch Museum, a well-known cultural institution in Philadelphia, has announced a change in its operational schedule, reducing its open days from six to five per week. Starting October 29, the museum will be closed on Mondays, adjusting its operational hours to Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including select holidays. Furthermore, the museum will pause its monthly First Wednesday evening program as part of this adjustment.

This decision comes in response to a significant decline in annual visitation numbers. Attendance has dropped by approximately 15%, declining from 475,000 visitors annually prior to the pandemic to 400,000 in the most recent year. Analysis revealed that Mondays tend to see the lowest visitor turnout, prompting management to reconsider their schedule.

According to a spokesperson for Please Touch Museum, this operational change reflects emerging trends in post-pandemic visitation patterns seen not only at their facility but across various cultural institutions in Philadelphia and beyond. The museum emphasizes its commitment to maintaining financial stability while providing enriching educational experiences for children and their families.

Despite the reduced hours, the Please Touch Museum remains committed to offering an engaging experience for its visitors. The museum features a total of 18 permanent exhibits, including the popular Front Step exhibit, where children can engage in imaginative play on the stoop of a fictional house.

One of the highlights is the “Food & Family” exhibit, a 3,650-square-foot space presented by the grocery chain GIANT. This interactive area introduces young visitors to various aspects of food systems, allowing them to explore a supermarket, a kitchen, and a neighborhood festival setup. Children can take part in activities such as shopping for party supplies and grilling hot dogs, facilitating experiential learning through play.

Additionally, the museum has rolled out a new bilingual exhibit titled “AlegreMENTE | Happy Brain.” Sponsored by Cencora, a pharmaceutical company based in Conshohocken, this exhibit focuses on nurturing the connection between children and their caregivers. Set within a whimsical forest environment, it encourages imaginative storytelling, artistic expression, and emotional exploration through interactive activities.

“AlegreMENTE” will be available to visitors until January 4, 2026, enhancing the diversity of learning experiences at the museum.

The Please Touch Museum is located at 4231 Avenue of the Republic in Philadelphia, with standard admission priced at . For further details, the museum’s official website provides comprehensive information regarding exhibits and scheduling.

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