Museum encourages cell phones in new exhibit

By Lauren McGlone
Collegian Editor
April 25, 2007

Anyone who has been to a museum knows that cell phone use is generally not permitted in the galleries. However, this is not the case at the Philadelphia Mutter Museum, where using cell phones is encouraged.

In its new Cell Phone Audio Tour Guide, the Mutter Museum provides patrons with information about museum features and exhibits, based on each individual’s artistic preference.

Guests taking part in this exhibit simply dial the corresponding number into their cell phones to obtain more information about each particular display.

This new tour was begun in efforts to help enhance the visitor’s experience with the help of staff commentary that delves deep into the history and nature of the displays. It is presented by the Groff Family Memorial Trust.

While the tour itself is free with admission to the museum, charges may be added to cell phone bills.

The Mutter Museum is a part of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the oldest professional medical organization in the United States. The college has provided professionals with a place to learn about medicine, science and art since 1787.

The Mutter Museum was founded to “educate future donors about anatomy and human medical anomalies,” according to its Web site. Today it serves as a resource available for educating the public about the history of medicine and what is to come in the future. The museumadditionally seeks to improve the health of the public through education and service programs.

Among the displays to be found at the Mutter Museum are a torso plaster cast of Siamese twins Chang and Eng, a collection of skulls, the preserved body of the “Soap Lady” and an interesting collection of thousands of items extracted from human throats. Also on display is the tallest skelton to be found in North America, along with a cancerous growth removed from President Grover Cleveland.

The Mutter Museum is located at 19 South 22nd Street, and is open to visitors Monday through Thursday and weekends 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and on Friday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. Reservations are not required, and students with a valid ID may enter for $8.

mcglonel1@lasalle.edu