Mummers Museum

This place was absolutely amazing. I recently coordinated a wedding here and the staff was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The venue itself was beautiful and the museum stayed open for the duration of the wedding allowing the guests really enjoy (and learn more about) the mummer culture. I thought the venue looked much larger on the inside than the outside and had an amazing balcony overlooking the stage (where the couple had their ceremony). I think the bride and groom would agree it was the perfect place to get married.

It looks big on the outside but it’s got that super-​strange-​hole-​in-​the wall experience once you go in. I love it, and recommend it to anyone who wants to get a taste for Philly’s weird side.
Also, the museum is a really big south Philly community feature. They are often having little fairs, festivals, flea markets, town meetings, and there’s live music (performed by out-​of-​costume Mummers String Bands) on Thursdays in the Summer. Its a hoot!
Of course, you should make it a priority to see the Mummers perform for real.

Glad I can say I went, but would not plan on going back. It’s $ 3.50 to walk around a few rooms with costumes, and a bit of history. It opened in 1976, and besides changing out some of the costumes, it doesn’t seem like there have ever been any renovations which is sad. I would love to see it updated.

Not a place I would recommend to someone from outside of Philly. If you are not familiar with the Mummers, this place would only leave a bad taste in your mouth. It was cool to see the winning costumes from these years’ winners, but other than that, most exhibits were from the 70’s and 80’s. Maybe go if you want to check out costumes up close, other than don’t bother. Even though I only paid $ 3.50 to get in, I was pretty disappointed. I think I would have rather had a beer.

I’ve never actually visited the «museum». I’ve been inside but only to vote as it is my polling station, and as far as polling stations go it is the coolest one I’ve ever been to, but that’s not saying much since most voting stations are in school cafeterias or the like. As far as visiting the museum I wouldn’t expect much.
Mostly this review revolves around the museums backyard which is basically just a parking lot with a stage… sounds pretty lame I know, but on Thursday evenings in the Summer the stage is filled up with a different Mummer string band each week for a neighborhood show. Neighbors bring folding chairs and fill the area to watch and dance.
It’s a tame experience by Mummer’s standards, although lots of people are casually drinking a few beers. Overall, its a fun family-​friendly evening.

No expectations. That’s all I had of the Mummer’s Museum because I’m from Dallas (don’t judge), but have lived in Philly for over 10 years. I’ve done the parade, I’ve done 2 street. Plus I do love sequins!
I took a group of locals to the museum for a day trip.
A few things, in list form:
The 1^st floor:
1. We were the only ones there (there was seven of us)
2. One of the four staff we would eventually see, was sitting at her desk in a back room, not at the front desk.
3. The first floor is cavernous, and I mean it has a semi «empty» feeling. There are less than five mannequins on display. And a large replica of Smarty Jones. Not sure where that is fitting in with the theme.
4. No pamphlets or map to direct us, but overall it could pass as self guided experience.
5. There is rolling TV playing a video of performances, no commentary about the clubs performing, what they are performing, or any information in general.
The organization of the first floor should be considered.
The 2^nd floor:
There is no music playing at all on the 2^nd floor. Isn’t’ that what the Mummers are known for? Music would set the tone of the experience for the museum.
1. It’s dated and dusty. There doesn’t seem to be much attention to the upkeep of the displayed costumes, which should be the biggest draw to the museum. The costumes were dusty or falling apart. They were ID’d, but should have been displayed in yearly progression for fluidity.
2. Over half of the interactive displays did not work. Including a Terminator display, a marching route map display, and fact board display. One particular exhibit had ear cones? to listen to, the sign stating «temporarily under maintenance» was dated and folding over itself. Apparently «temporary means ‘indefinite’»
3. There is a large show room of props and costumes as well as places to sit, but it’s amateurish, obviously neglected area.
4. You can try on Mummer’s costumes in one exhibit. That was a lot of fun, definitely a plus. They only had adult sizes though, they should have children sizes as well since they have children participate in the parade.
5. All the pictures on display are from the 70’s and 80’s. Nothing to show progression in the 21^st century.
6. There is information about how the Mummers came to be and some of their activities which was nice and informative.
Lower Level:
1. Large event area
2. It has a stage
3. There are BINGO groups that meet there, which I think could be turned into a great money maker if organized right.
Overall suggestions:
1. More Costumes on display, in progressive, yearly order
2. Weekly/​monthly maintenance of the exhibits
3. Fix the displays
4. Play music upstairs
5. Have interactive family style, BINGO games involving dressed up Mummers with hot dogs/​soda, and music to help raise money for the museum.
6. Update display pictures to reflect current events
7. More interactive media demonstrating the different groups, what they do, and how they set themselves apart from everyone else.

Exactly what you should expect from a museum about Mummers.

Love the Mummer’s Museum! Yeah, it is tacky and kind of dumpy, but to me that truly embodies Philadelphia.
The summer mummer concerts are a great time.

Are you kidding? Museum? The term Is very loosely used in this case. I think I went to the National Museum of Twine Balls on a road-​trip in my youth and found that place more deserving of the moniker.
Look… I’m a Philly boy and I have the same love/​disgust relationship that every other not-​dyed-​in-​the-​wool-​2-​Streeter has with Mummery… and in fact I live a mere block from the place, but if you are open-​minded and interested in trying to find the engaging «bright side» of this tradition, you will NOT find it at The Mummers Museum: Expect every negative stereotype you walk in with to be doubly reinforced by your departure.
The place is a pathetic dump, really little more than an overblown version of the 2 Street NYC/​NYA clubs around the corner. Every single aspect of it, from the tacky orange-​brick firehouse-​like exterior to the tired and barely-​curated interior are woeful. Only worth the trip if you are high and looking for a campy giggle-​fest. Sorry.

We are big supporters of the Mummers — and my little girl just loves the parade — especially the comics.
I am partial to the Fancy Brigades, myself.
Anyhow, this SMALL museum (kind of a glorified practice hall) is a once-​must-​see Philadelphia experience. Neat.

Never been there but heard a lot about it. Kick myself for not having checked it out before moving from Philly.
Mummers parade to kick off the New Year! Imagine: bunch of male descendants of Irish, German, Italian, and whatnot immigrants decked up in sequins and feathers that they themselves sewed (although I hear they’re cheating a bit and having the missus do these types of duties these days) and performing steps they choreographed to instruments such as the accordion that members of their troup play.
It’s fascinating. It’s utterly provincial. It’s absolutely Philly.

Kind of eery to walk through and look at the costumes without the Mummers wearing them. Believe the term is German, extension of their Carnivale festivities. Is the Mummers parade in October/​November? Cold season?
Is this the Philly version of a German American Mardi Gras Parade?
Oh well, curiousity is best explored for new adventures.