Working at Please Touch Museum is like being in an emotionally abusive relationship. The work environment is brutal and inhumane. The museum's CEO is a bully who carefully manages her reputation on the outside but on the inside instills fear and terror among hardworking, dedicated staff. Browbeating, berating, constant criticism, and disrespecting are the norm. Temper tantrums and tirades, deception and lies, and undermining and manipulation are her MO. There's constant scrutiny and complete lack of trust, with objectives always changing, micromanagment, and undermining of staff. 100% staff turnover rate is a clear indicator. The tragedy is there is no law to protect staff who are victims of the abuse. Sadly, HR cares not at all, the board turns a blind eye, and the cycle of abuse continues.
Review from Guidestar
Please Touch Museuam is dedicated to educating our children through play and various other learning experiences. The new location at Memorial Hall opened in October, 2008, and for the past two years, over 500,000 visitors each year have been amazed with the transformation of what was originally built as the original Phila. Art Museum during the Centennial back in 1876 to what is now one of the most highly recognized Children's Museums in the U.S., and perhahps the World. Children and adults visit the Museum via daily admission fees or annual memberships, but to make sure that the audience of potential visitors is expanded, the Musueam offers free admission to young children attending Philadelphia schools, as well as partnering with certain of the PTM sponsors to offer discounted admissions. The phenomenal staff is trained to ensure that each child's visit is fun AND educational. There is so much to do that it is practically impossible to cover the entire museum in one visit, plus the various activities are so enjoyable, the children really enjoy participating in the various offerings time and time again. Finally, let's not forget about the adults--the feeling of providing such a rewarding set of varied experiences for one's children is probably enough, however, in addition, the adults attending will be amazed at the preservation and restoration of the 1876 facility, plus will be fascinated with the large replica of the Centennial (also known as the 1876 World's Fair) on the first floor of the Museum. A fantastic family activity!!
Every year I support the museum's annual fund -but the best part of my involvement with Please Touch is through their fundraising events such as Storybook Ball and their newest event - Stroller in the Park. Storybook Ball is a unique and adorable event that ties in their literacy programming with their mission of learning through play. Kids (and grown ups) are encouraged to come dressed as their favority storybook characters and enjoy a night of play, storybook readings, meet & greet with some of your favorite story characters, dancing and food. I have never seen so many princesses in one area other than Disney! Truly a memorable event - to see the smiles on all of the kids faces, especially mine, is priceless!
In August of 2010, my husband and I brought our three kids to the museum(we're members). From the moment we stepped foot in the door, we were all greeted like family. I love the safe, clean environment, and the fact that there's always something new to do or see.
I recently visited the Please Touch Museum with my daughter, age 4 and son, age 3. Talk about a truly wonderful experience -it was AWESOME! Each exhibit was so fun and engaging. Every staff member was very helpful, child oriented and nice. And the entire place was spotless. I was very impressed and my kids are already asking to go back again.
My family and I are members of the Please Touch Museum. We have a 20 month old son and he absolutely loves it there! The learning that he is acquiring from visiting the museum is immense. It is such a great safe, fun and educational place for him. He develops his motor skills, he sings songs, and enjoys the shows. I find the membership to be more than worth it and I try to visit the museum with him at least once every few weeks. It is by the far the best place in the area for young children!
My husband and I took our son, daughter-in-law and two grandsons to PTM. We knew it was going to be a great experience as we had heard about how wonderful it was before we got there! Well, we had no idea of just how wonderful it was. Our grandsons were ecstatic to see all that there was and didn't want to leave the rooms once they were there. From shopping in the grocery store to riding the cars then the carousel etc. - one wonderful experience after another. We didn't want to leave! It is a fantastic place for the children to experience! Job so well done! Thanks to all who worked so hard.
Please Touch Museum is a great place for local families and tourists with children to play and learn. It has interactive exhibits based in reality and the imagination. Kids can play with real cars, pretend to grocery shop, or skip through Alice in Wonderland's maze. They can see shows, have bday parties, and ride a historical carousel. At the site of our nation's centennial celebration, PTM offers historical tours to adults, wonderful programs for city students/families, and a beautiful site to host parties, company events, and more. As a mom, aunt, donor, and Board Member, I recommend the experience of the Please Touch Museum...again, and again, and again.
PTM is not only a wonderful place for families to create "memorable moments" together, it also is truly a place for childrent to be in control and to exercise their creative, inquisitive sides to the fullest extent. Just about everything is self directed and non structured to encourage exploration at their own pace. In addition, the Museum has an amazing number of comunity outreach programs to attempt to make its resources available to all Philadelphia area children, especially those at risk in the community.
I have taken my 2 year old granddaughter to PTM several times and each time she makes a"new discovery". The last time we were there, she was especially interested in the cars. Some of her favorite books right now are the Disney Cars series, so she had a great time putting air into the tires and helping to fill the gas tank. This also gives her a chance to interact with other children and realize that you need to wait your turn. She looks forward to going and playing in space that is "just right for me"
The Please Touch Museum is a wonderful place where little minds go to explore, learn and play. It is filled with magical experiences. My children spend hours learning while they "food shop", "drive" a real car, "ride" a real bus, learn about levies, canals and water movement and so much more. It is a community treasure where Moms and Dads can feel confident that their little ones will have a wonderful and educational time.