Get a Behind-The-Scenes Tour of The Last Remaining Building From the 1876 World’s Fair

Kids aren’t the only ones who can enjoy a visit to the Please Touch Museum at Fairmount Park’s majestic Memorial Hall. The museum, one of the premier hands-on children’s museums in the U.S.A, offers “Centennial Grown-up Tours” of this historic building – the only major building remaining from the 1876 Centennial Exhibition (World’s Fair). Visitors on the tour will learn about the celebration of America’s 100th birthday when more than 10 million people came to Philadelphia to witness the latest and greatest inventions such as the telephone and typewriter.

This refurbished, architectural landmark was purportedly the first Beaux Arts building in the U.S., the first art gallery ever designed for a World’s Fair, and became the first home of the Philadelphia Museum of Art following the exhibition.

On the guided tour, groups will learn about the history of Memorial Hall, including its more "recent" uses such as serving as a recording studio for the Philadelphia Orchestra. A highlight of the tour is a visit to the museum’s Centennial Exploration exhibit's original three-dimensional scale model depicting the more than 200 buildings erected for the fair. And, don't worry, there is a ride for adults, the fully restored Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel, which dates back to 1908.

Group tour rates are available and can be reserved by calling 215-581-3168. The museum houses a café and offers free, on-site motorcoach parking.

For more group-friendly attractions, visit www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel/group-tour-planners.