An early morning geared for families with children on the spectrum or with sensory sensitivities, Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Mütter is a welcoming environment for your child and family to enjoy the Mütter Museum’s world-renowned collection of anatomy, pathologies, and medical history in a quiet and accepting setting. Visitors will find stations with interactive touch objects, guided tours, and a designated quiet space with snacks.

Admission for this event is Pay What You Wish - you may register for free by clicking the green "Register" button or you can donate by clicking here.

Download a copy of the Museum map here.

Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Mütter - Know Before You Go:

What will be provided at Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Mütter?

• A less crowded early morning opening
• A designated quiet space with snacks
• Optional 20-30 minute guided tours
• Stations with touchable objects

What are our parking and transit options?

• The museum itself does not have a lot, however, the area around the museum contains a number of lots, including a paid lot directly behind the Museum at 21st Street just below Market Street

• Metered street parking is available on the surrounding blocks

• The Museum is conveniently located between Amtrak’s 30th Street Station and SEPTA’s Suburban Station, and we are directly off the 22nd St trolley stop, so we highly recommend using public transit when possible

Accessibility in the building

• The Museum is wheelchair accessible at the east entrance of our building, on Van Pelt Street (which runs directly behind the Museum, parallel to 21st and 22nd Streets). At the right of the glass door marked “College of Physicians of Philadelphia," you will see an intercom speaker and talk button. Press the button, and when someone responds, say that you are visiting the Museum and need access. Someone will come to assist you
• When going between floors in the museum in a wheelchair, please ask a guard for assistance and they will take you to the elevator

Other Accessible programs and tools

• We offer regularly scheduled American Sign Language Tours and Touch Tours for visitors who are Deaf/hard of hearing, or blind/low vision
• We have printed copies of our audio tour available at the Front Desk
• You can find American Sign Language videos showing highlights of the museum on our Youtube Channel

Backpacks, Bags, and Stroller Policy

• The Museum has limited walking space and strollers and large bags make it difficult for other visitors to enjoy the exhibits. They also pose a hazard to our 150‐year‐old glass cases. For these reasons, strollers, backpack style bags, and luggage are not permitted in the Museum. This includes, but is not limited to: luggage, large bags, book bags, backpacks, small carry-ons, and shopping bags. Public lockers are available for secured storage of bags and items during your visit. Lockers can accommodate items up to 12” x 14” x 15”. Items too large for the lockers, such as strollers, must be left unsecured in the coat room. Lockers are free but require a quarter to operate. The coin is refunded at end of use.

Is there a café in the museum?

• No, the Mütter does not have a café, but there are many eateries, coffee shops, and convenience stores located nearby. You can pick up our local food guide at the Front Desk

Is there a recommended age for visitors?

• The Mütter is a medical history museum and our collection is comprised primarily of human remains, some displaying disfiguring pathologies which may be disturbing to young children. For this reason, we recommend the museum for children who are 11 and up.

Can we take pictures in the museum?

• Like many museums, we do not allow photography of any kind in the main galleries, including cameraphones and flashless photography. The Mütter’s collection consists primarily of the remains of real people, some of whom have living relatives who take an active interest in preserving their family’s legacy. For this reason, not photography or video is permitted in the main museum, but you may take photos in our lobby and Thomson, our special exhibitions gallery located to the right of the great staircase.

Are the specimens real?

• All skeletal and wet specimens in the museum are real. Other items on display include life casts and models made of wax, plaster, or papier maché.

Questions? Email events@collegeofphysicians.org

ASL interpretation is available for any event upon request. Please contact Meredith Sellers msellers@collegeofphysicians.org to place a request for an ASL interpreter or for any other accessibility accommodations.

NOTE: By entering the event premises, you consent to photography, audio recording, video recording and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, promotional purposes, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by The College of Physicians/The Mütter Museum and its affiliates and representatives.