About Mummers museum
Mummers Museum: Celebrating Tradition and Community
Mummers are a unique and vibrant part of Philadelphia's cultural heritage. For over a century, these performers have entertained crowds with their colorful costumes, lively music, and irreverent humor. The Mummers Museum is dedicated to preserving this tradition and sharing it with visitors from around the world.
At the heart of the Mummers Museum is a deep appreciation for community. The Mummers are not just performers; they are neighbors, friends, and family members who come together to celebrate life's joys and sorrows. Whether they are parading down Broad Street on New Year's Day or performing at local events throughout the year, the Mummers bring people together in a spirit of fun and camaraderie.
The museum itself is located in South Philadelphia, just a few blocks from where many of the city's Mummers clubs were founded. Inside its walls, visitors can explore exhibits that showcase everything from elaborate costumes to vintage instruments to photographs documenting the history of this beloved tradition.
One highlight of any visit to the museum is its collection of string band instruments. These include banjos, saxophones, accordions, drums, and other instruments that have been used by some of Philadelphia's most famous string bands over the years. Visitors can even try their hand at playing some of these instruments themselves!
Another popular exhibit at the museum focuses on costume design. Here you can see examples of intricate featherwork as well as more modern materials like sequins and glitter that have become popular in recent years. You'll also learn about how each club designs its own unique costumes based on themes ranging from historical events to pop culture icons.
Of course no visit to the Mummers Museum would be complete without experiencing some live performances! Throughout the year there are opportunities to see local clubs perform both inside and outside the museum itself. These performances range from traditional string band music to more contemporary styles like hip hop and rock.
Whether you're a lifelong Philadelphian or just visiting the city for the first time, the Mummers Museum is a must-see destination. It's a place where tradition, community, and celebration come together in a way that is uniquely Philadelphia. So come on down and join the fun!