At 1100 S 2nd St in South Philadelphia, the Mummers Museum traces the city’s costumed New Year’s Day parade through costumes, photographs, music and memorabilia. You can see how the outfits and props are made, explore the tradition’s history and try on costumes and hats. Displays and audio and video archives bring the parade’s performances into the museum year-round. It’s a focused stop for anyone curious about Philadelphia’s local traditions, and a useful pick for families with children who enjoy dressing up.
A Philadelphia parade tradition
Philadelphia’s Mummers Parade takes place on New Year’s Day. The museum follows the celebration’s history and the people who carry it forward through performance, costume and music. The parade began in 1901, while the tradition of mummery in Philadelphia has older roots associated with Swedish settlers who brought customs of dressing in costume and performing pantomimes.
The museum opened in 1976 and is devoted to preserving and sharing mummery culture. Its collection brings together material from the parade and its performers, giving visitors a place to learn about the event beyond its annual appearance on city streets.
Costumes, props and recordings
Costumes are a central part of the collection, alongside photographs, props and other parade memorabilia. Displays also explain how costume designs develop, from early ideas to finished outfits. The great hall is hung with flags and costumes connected to different Mummer brigades and divisions.
Some costumes are available to try on, including hats. Their size and weight offer a sense of the physical effort involved in wearing them during a performance. The museum also has music, oral histories, videos and audio archives, with recordings of performances from different years. Together, these materials show the parade as both a visual spectacle and a musical tradition.
Planning a visit
The museum is at 1100 S 2nd St in South Philadelphia. Guided tours are available and can add detail to the displays, particularly the history of the parade and the construction of its costumes. The museum is also a family-friendly stop, with the chance to dress up giving children a hands-on way to engage with the collection.
Admission is described as free, and visitors are encouraged to leave a donation to help support the institution. The building includes event space, including a large room and bar area used for private gatherings. If you are visiting for a tour or a scheduled program, check the museum’s website before setting out, since visiting times and programs are limited.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is the Mummers Museum?
It is at 1100 S 2nd St in South Philadelphia.
Can you try on Mummers costumes?
Yes. The museum has costumes and hats that visitors can try on.
Is there an admission fee?
Admission is described as free. Visitors are encouraged to leave a donation to support the museum.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, the museum offers tours. Check its website for current visit and program information.
