PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Mummers Parade is known for controlled chaos, color and all that music.
But there’s a place in the heart of Philly that’s a little quieter and a lot calmer, where 125 years of Mummers History is proudly preserved and promoted.
“This building tells a story. I think our collection has 500 costumes,” said Mark Montanaro, Mummers Museum curator.
Creative costumes, from crowns to crows, to 125-pound Fancy Club frame suits, all on display at the Mummers Museum on Second Street.
“1901. The city decided that they were going to take all the celebrants that were celebrating in their own neighborhoods and put them in one location to have better control of the chaos,” Montanaro said.
The music that string bands became known for didn’t enter the parade until World War One.
“This bell lyre in our music case is this bell eyre here (in this photo). And this picture was taken in 1916,” said Mummers Museum President Brian Donnelly.
The Mummers Museum is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2026, and Donnelly says they’ve just signed a contract with the city for another 50 years.
“So, the thought that I’m not going to be here at the fruition of that 50 years, it’s kind of mindboggling a little bit,” he said.
So, what is Philly without the Mummers?
“Nothing,” Donnelly added.
The tradition continues, New Year’s Day.