The Mummers museum first opened its doors to the public in the year 1976, as a token to celebrate the New Year in Philadelphia. The term "mummer" is a name given to actors or a group who take part in seasonal folk plays and generally perform in public houses. The Mummers history can be traced back to England where they first originated. The museum has a huge collection of memorabilia and costumes belonging to mummers which have been preserved since the beginning of the last century.

Apart from this, the museum has a tiny little shop where one can pick up gifts for their near and dear ones. It also has a large hall that is given out on rent as and when required. The specialty about this museum is that unlike other museums, the Mummers museum holds string band performances for adults and children alike whenever the weather permits. The best thing about these string band performances are that one gets to watch absolutely free of cost. The more adventurous lot can also learn a form of dance at the museum known as the 'Mummer's Strut.'

The museum opens its doors from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm in the months of October to April. During months of May to September with an exception being Thursday - it is open for a full 12 hours from 9:30 in the morning till 9:30 at night. A group museum tour is $2 per person, which is an hour long tour of the museum. You also have A Luncheon included in the museum tour that comes for $16 per head but requires participation of a minimum of 25 people.

The Mummers museum was established in the year 1976 and it is devoted to New Year's festivity in the city of Philadelphia. The Mummers Museum has a splendid collection of the paraphernalia as well as the memorabilia of the mummers which includes some spectacular costumes. Some of these costumes date in the past to the twentieth century's turn.

What are the museum timings?

The Mummers Museum has different timings for two sets of months in a year. From October to April the timings are 9.30am to 4.30pm from Wednesday to Saturday. While from May till September the hours are from 9.30 am to 9.30pm on Saturdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

What does the Mummers Museum offer?

For adults as well as kids the Mummers Museum holds interesting programs. During the time when the weather is mild the museum has complimentary provision for band concerts. Besides, the museum lobby has a gift shop from where exclusive mummers' products can be bought. It accepts Visa and MasterCard. Also, products can be purchased by making payments via PAYPAL at the museum's online store at

http://www.mummersmuseum.com/onlinestore.html

Among the programs at Mummer Museum are Talk on the subject of mummery origins along with a guided museum tour.-Concert and Luncheon on Thursdays-Making Mummer Magic, which is an art class for children between 5-14 years of age.-Outreach Program

Few Philadelphia hotels near Mummer Museum include-Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia

http://www.pennslanding.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

Omni Hotel at Independence Park in Philadelphia

http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/PhiladelphiaIndepEndencePark.aspx

The Independent in Philadelphia

http://www.theindependenthotel.com/

Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue in Philadelphia

http://parkphiladelphia.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

Loews Philadelphia Hotel in Philadelphia

http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Hotels/Philadelphia-Hotel/Overview.aspx

The parking facility is free at the Mummers museum and it is even handicap accessible. For more information on packages for groups as well as tours log on to http://www.mummersmuseum.com/home.html.

A Mummers is a glittery human party favor such as sax honking, banjo strumming and glockenspiel tinkling, which parades through the streets every year on New Year's Day.

Many residents of Philadelphia come out in thousands to watch the parades as they go down the streets in their interesting attires. To get tickets and reservations to the event you can log on to the main website. The site also offers discounted rates to groups and other offers on certain seasons.

The internet site allows you to pay for a ticket right at the comfort of your home. This makes it convenient such that you do not have to go all the way to the Museum or make lines in order to purchase. It is wise to get the tickets well in advance before the date of the event because you might miss out. The site also allows you to down load and print your ticket.

http://www.mummersmuseum.com/

The roots of the museum can be traced back to the 1880. When you are visiting it there are several Philadelphia Pennsylvania hotels there you can choose for your accommodation. Some of these are:

Penn's View Inn

http://www.pennsviewhotel.com/

The Sheraton Society Hill

http://sheraton-philadelphia.felcor.com/