Museum Operations
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How do I make a reservation?
All visitors and members 12 months and older must make a reservation to visit the Museum – tickets are not available to purchase at the Admissions desk. Please visit our online reservation page to purchase general admission tickets or make a reservation as a Museum member.
After making a reservation, you will receive a confirmation email containing barcodes for each visitor registered. On the day of your visit, you must show this confirmation email to Museum staff on your mobile phone or printed on paper in order to gain entrance to the Museum.
If you need to make a change to your reservation, please email tickets@pleasetouchmuseum.org or call 215-581-3181. Tickets are non-refundable, we are happy to accommodate a change in reservation day based on availability within a 7 day grace period. If you are unable to use your tickets for your reserved date, you must contact us to within 7 days after the original reservation date to make a transfer. We will not honor a transfer if we are not notified of the request within the 7 day grace period.
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How are you cleaning the props in the exhibits?
Clean and sanitized props are placed into the exhibits at the beginning of each morning. If a prop becomes dirty, please place it in a designated red bin or alert a staff member.
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How are you cleaning the Museum?
The Museum is cleaned with hospital-grade and EPA-approved cleaning products every day and a cleaning company sanitizes the Museum each evening we are open to the public. Clean and sanitized props are placed into the exhibits each morning and high touch surfaces and restrooms are cleaned throughout the day. Additional immersive cleaning occurs in the Museum on days we are closed to the public.
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Is there proper ventilation in Memorial Hall?
Memorial Hall boasts more than 60,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space with high ceilings. The Museum upgraded all HVAC filters, installing MERV-13 pre-filters and MERV-13 final filters (MERV: Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). The ventilation system is properly maintained per the manufacturer recommendations and all filters are changed per manufacturer guidelines.
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What is the mask policy?
Masks are optional for visitors and staff at the Museum. We support individual choice regarding masks and ask for respectful engagement with others while enjoying a day of play at the Museum. We will continue to follow all health and safety guidelines from the City of Philadelphia and the CDC.
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Will hand sanitizer be available?
Yes! We have installed touchless hand sanitizing stations throughout Memorial Hall for use between handwashing.
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Will the nursing room be available?
The nursing room on the lower level is available for use.
General Admission Ticketing
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If I pay full admission and then decide to become a Member, can I apply the cost of tickets towards a membership?
Yes! You can apply the cost of your admission tickets to a 12-month membership on the same day as your visit. Just see one of our friends at the front desk to convert your tickets to a membership before you leave.
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What discounts are available?
If you plan to visit the museum more than twice in a calendar year, the best way to save is to become a member! Learn more about memberships here. We also offer several discounts on general admission tickets:
- Military Discount: We offer a discount of $2 off of up to 6 tickets, with valid military ID
- ACCESS Art Reach: ACCESS cardholders are eligible for $2 tickets for up to 4 tickets, with ACCESS card & photo ID. For more info, visit our Ways to Save page.
- Association of Children’s Museums: If you’re a member of another children’s museum that is a member of ACM, you are eligible for a 50% discount on up to 6 tickets, with proof of membership card. To reserve your tickets, call the front desk, or email us at tickets@pleasetouchmuseum.org.
Learn more about Ways to Save on your visit to the Please Touch Museum.
Membership
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Am I able to receive a refund for my membership?
We are not able to refund memberships. If you feel it is best for your family not to visit the Museum, you may transfer the remaining time on your membership to another family of your choice. Please send an email to our membership team at membership@pleasetouchmuseum.org and we will be happy to make that transfer for you.
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I am moving, what can I do with my membership?
You may transfer the remainder of your membership to another family of your choice. Please send an email to our membership team at membership@pleasetouchmuseum.org and we will be happy to make the transfer for you.
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Can I add a relative or nanny to my membership?
Yes. We provide Family Plus and Family Deluxe level memberships for those who wish to include more than 2 card holders. A named or listed card holder must be present with a valid photo ID at the Admission desk upon arrival.
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As a member, is there a discounted price for my guests?
Yes. If you bring guests beyond what is covered by your membership, the cost per guest is $13. Guest tickets may be purchased in person at our Admission desk when you arrive for your visit.
Museum Policies
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COVID-19 Exposure Risk
By making a reservation and visiting the Museum, guests voluntarily assume all risks related to potential exposure to COVID-19 in or around Please Touch Museum for everyone in your party. The Museum reserves the right to disclose the identity and contact information for all guests to government-authorized entities for the purposes of contact tracing as required.
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What is your Refund and Exchange policy?
Refunds cannot be made on admission tickets, memberships, or gift cards once the transaction is completed. In the event of an emergency closing by the Museum, the ticket purchaser will have the option of an exchange. Replacement tickets will not be issued for any ticket that has been damaged, lost, stolen or destroyed. For Ticketed Programs, the tickets sold are nonrefundable, but most tickets are transferable, subject to Museum policy.
Additionally, there are no refunds for donations or group visits, and tickets may not be resold or traded for more than face value. PTM reserves the right to revoke or refuse to honor tickets that have been resold for more than their face value.
Please refer to the refund and cancellation policy for event and building rentals.
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Visitor Notices and Code of Conduct
Please Touch Museum wants to ensure a positive experience for all visitors.
Please visit our Museum Visitor Policies page to learn about our Visitor Code of Conduct, and policies regarding photography and video, parking in our gated lot, restroom access and more.
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How can I request ticket donations for my event or charity?
Please Touch Museum appreciates the importance of special events as a way to raise funds for worthy causes. Due to our extended closure, the Museum is unable to donate tickets and/or other goods and services at this time. We appreciate your understanding.
Museum Exhibits and Collections
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What age range is best for visiting the Museum?
Generally, the Museum is best for children from about six months through age 8. We have created fun learning environments for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary-age children. Slightly older children often have fun acting as “teachers” for their younger siblings and playmates.
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Where do the Museum’s collections come from?
Since opening in 1976, Please Touch Museum began collecting objects for exhibits and programs. Many of these items were donated by staff, visitors and friends of the Museum. Others were purchased at stores, auctions, flea markets and garage sales.
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How are the Museum’s collections stored?
Please Touch Museum maintains special collections storage and workspace area with supplies, equipment, research and reference material and more to take care of all the Collections. When necessary, specialized consultants review specific objects and collections categories for conservation.
Contact Us
For questions regarding online reservations and ticketing, please contact tickets@pleasetouchmuseum.org or call 215-581-3181.
For questions regarding membership, please contact membership@pleasetouchmuseum.org or call 215-581-3181.
For more general questions please contact info@pleasetouchmuseum.org or call 215-581-3181.