Memorial Hall

Memorial Hall is a late 19th-century building in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, with a large iron and glass dome. At the top stands a 23-foot (7 m) statue of Columbia, surrounded by four additional sculptures.

The building was erected for the 1876 Centennial Exposition, the first major world fair in the United States. After the fair closed, it remained as an art museum and now houses a children's museum.

The four bronze figures atop the dome represent traditional sectors of industry and reflect the hopes and values of the young American republic. The interior preserves its original proportions and gives visitors a sense of how world expositions were presented in the 19th century.

The visit is well suited for families, as the Please Touch Museum offers interactive stations for younger children. The spacious layout is easy to explore on foot and can accommodate larger groups.

The construction uses no wood whatsoever, relying entirely on iron, stone and glass. This design made it one of the first fireproof exhibition buildings in North America.