Imagine celebrating your wedding in a setting that combines the magic of childhood memories with the beauty of a sophisticated, modern wedding venue. The Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia offers just that, providing a whimsical backdrop for an unforgettable wedding celebration. In this venue feature, I will explore the captivating details of the Please Touch Museum, its layout, and the various picture-perfect locations within the venue that make it an unparalleled choice for couples looking to infuse their special day with a touch of enchantment and whimsy. There isn’t anything quite like Please Touch Museum wedding photos!
The Layout and Design of the Please Touch Museum
The History of the Please Touch Museum
Established in 1976, the Please Touch Museum is an iconic institution in Philadelphia designed to inspire learning through play for children of all ages. In 2008, the museum moved to its current location in historic Memorial Hall, a stunning Beaux-Arts building constructed for the 1876 Centennial Exhibition. This architectural masterpiece provides a perfect setting for the museum’s interactive exhibits and a breathtaking backdrop for wedding celebrations.
Memorial Hall: The Heart of the Please Touch Museum
Memorial Hall, the primary event space within the Please Touch Museum, boasts a grand entrance, soaring ceilings, and elegant architectural details that create an atmosphere of sophistication and grandeur. Marble floors, intricate moldings, and shimmering chandeliers evoke timeless elegance, making it an ideal location for hosting a lavish wedding reception.
Carousel House: A Playful and Unique Wedding Venue
Adjacent to Memorial Hall is the Carousel House, which houses the museum’s fully restored 1908 Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel. This whimsical and enchanting space offers a one-of-a-kind setting for couples looking to add fun and nostalgia to their wedding celebration. The Carousel House can accommodate up to 250 guests for a seated dinner, making it a versatile and unique option for a wedding reception.
South Foyer: A Sophisticated Space for Intimate Gatherings
The South Foyer, located on the first floor of the Please Touch Museum, is an elegant and intimate space ideal for small wedding ceremonies or cocktail receptions. With its marble floors, grand columns, and ornate ceiling, the South Foyer provides a refined setting for more intimate wedding celebrations.
Picture-Perfect Locations at the Please Touch Museum
- Memorial Hall’s Grand Staircase: The grand staircase outside Memorial Hall offers a stunning and dramatic setting for wedding portraits. With its sweeping curves, marble steps, and intricate iron railings, the stairs provide an elegant and timeless backdrop for everything from first looks to wedding party photos.
- The Carousel House: The Carousel House, with its fully restored antique carousel, offers a charming setting for wedding photographs. Couples can take a spin on the carousel for more documentary-style images or pose beside the intricately carved and painted animals for a whimsical touch to their wedding album.
- The South Foyer: The South Foyer, with its grand columns and ornate ceiling, provides an elegant and sophisticated backdrop for wedding photos. Marble floors, classical architecture, and soft, natural light create a refined and romantic atmosphere that translates beautifully into photographs.
- The Museum’s Interactive Exhibits: For couples seeking a more unconventional and imaginative setting for their wedding photos, the Please Touch Museum’s interactive exhibits offer many opportunities to capture the spirit of playfulness and creativity that defines the venue. From the miniature cityscape of Philadelphia to the whimsical and colorful displays of children’s toys and games, each exhibit provides an intriguing and visually captivating backdrop for wedding photographs.
- The Museum’s Outdoor Spaces: Surrounding the Please Touch Museum are beautiful outdoor spaces, including manicured lawns, lush gardens, and the picturesque Centennial District of Fairmount Park. These areas provide a serene and natural setting for wedding photos, with the historic Memorial Hall as a majestic backdrop. Couples can use the park’s walking paths, charming bridges, and scenic views to create a diverse and stunning wedding photo collection.
Additional Notable Features of the Please Touch Museum:
Customizable Event Spaces
The Please Touch Museum offers a range of flexible event spaces that can be customized to suit each couple’s unique needs and preferences. From Memorial Hall’s grandeur to the South Foyer’s intimate elegance, couples can create a wedding experience that reflects their personal style and vision.
Exclusive Catering by Brûlée Catering
The Please Touch Museum partners with Brûlée Catering, a renowned Philadelphia-based catering company, to provide exceptional culinary experiences for wedding celebrations. Brûlée Catering’s expert chefs and event planners work closely with couples to create personalized and delectable menus catering to diverse tastes and dietary requirements.
On-Site Event Coordination
The dedicated event staff at the Please Touch Museum ensures that every aspect of the wedding planning process and the event itself is executed seamlessly and professionally. From coordinating with vendors to managing the event timeline, the museum’s team is committed to creating a stress-free and memorable experience for each couple and their guests.
Why I love photographing Please Touch Museum weddings
Photographing weddings at the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia is a profoundly cherished experience. The museum’s distinct blend of historical architecture and whimsical interiors provides a unique backdrop that is both challenging and inspiring for a photographer.
What stands out most about the Please Touch Museum is its variety of event spaces, each with a unique theme that transforms a wedding into something extraordinary. From the playful fantasy world of Alice in Wonderland in the East Gallery to the imposing grandeur of Hamilton Hall with its replica of the Statue of Liberty, the range of settings pushes me to explore and adapt my photographic style. This diversity allows me to capture vibrant and full-of-life moments, making each wedding distinctly different and exciting to photograph.
The creative possibilities at the Please Touch Museum are boundless. The eclectic and interactive exhibits serve as great backgrounds and encourage spontaneous, joyful moments among guests, which are a delight to capture. The blend of classical architecture with interactive, child-like elements makes every angle and every shot unique, providing endless opportunities to create memorable and dynamic images.
Moreover, the museum’s lighting, particularly in Hamilton Hall, with its tall windows and dramatic interior lights, offers a variety of lighting conditions to work with. During the day, natural light enhances the softness and warmth of the ceremonies, while in the evening, the lighting adds a dramatic, almost theatrical quality to the celebrations. This interplay of light is a photographer’s dream, allowing for rich, textured photographs that are as dramatic as they are intimate.
Additionally, a joyful energy permeates weddings at the Please Touch Museum. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia or the sheer novelty of celebrating in a space filled with childhood memories, but there’s a sense of wonder and excitement that is infectious for the guests and me. Capturing the laughter, the playful glances, and the festive spirit in such a setting is advantageous.
Photographing weddings at the Please Touch Museum is a profoundly gratifying experience. The unique blend of art, history, and playfulness makes each wedding a delightful challenge, pushing my creative boundaries and allowing me to deliver a portfolio that truly captures the essence of the couple’s special day.
In conclusion…
The Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia offers an extraordinary and whimsical setting for a truly unforgettable wedding celebration.
With its historic architecture, playful atmosphere, and variety of picture-perfect locations, this unique venue caters to couples seeking a one-of-a-kind wedding experience.
From Memorial Hall’s grand staircase to the enchanting Carousel House, the Please Touch Museum provides countless opportunities to capture the magic and joy of your special day.
As a premier wedding destination, the Please Touch Museum delivers a captivating backdrop for your celebration. It ensures a seamless and unforgettable experience for you and your guests, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
