Now open, and for a limited time. A museum dedicated to the unique Philadelphian. It’s hard to describe what makes a Philadelphian a Philadelphian. Words like gritty and blunt come to mind. Passionate sports fans. People who may seem rude at first impression, until respect is earned. Fiercely loyal, and kind (not nice). This museum is dedicated to Philadelphians. Or as the museum puts it, “An unapologetic micromuseum about Philadelphia’s people.”

Here Today, Gone November

The museum is tiny and temporary.

Open now through November 1st at 454 E Girard Avenue. A blip in the storied history of Philadelphia, and a love letter to it too. Did I mention that it’s FREE?

I had an opportunity to stop by on the day the museum opened, Friday, September 25th.

A photo of the front glass window of the Museum of the Philadelphian, with what looks like the remains of Hitchbot on full display. Basically a bucket with noodle "legs".Kristen Herrmann for BBGIWhat’s Left of Hitchbot

Without even going inside, you see the remnants of a classic Philadelphia story… or ending, rather. The demise of Hitchbot, the hitchhiking robot. A robot that was able to successfully travel through Canada, Germany and the Netherlands and make it from Boston to Philly in the summer of 2015, in its attempt to reach San Francisco. Two weeks into the U.S. tour, Hitchbot was stripped, dismembered, and decapitated in Philadelphia on August 1st 2015. Shameful? Nah. Philly as a whole has a sense of pride over this. Below the Hitchbot remains in the window of the Museum of the Philadelphian is a note that reads, “The head has never been recovered. The Museum will accept its return without questions.”

A Bob Uecker quote on the wall of the Museum of the Philadelphian about Philly fans booing someone who fell from the upper deck at Connie Mack Stadium.Kristen Herrmann for BBGIWhat’s Inside The Museum?

There were lots of Philadelphia sports quotes and references. Exhibits about booing and thrown objects. There were hotdogs and batteries.

A size D battery encased in a clear case hung on the wall in the 'A Selected HIstory of Things Thrown' section of the Museum of the Philadelphian.Kristen Herrmann for BBGIA glass display on the wall inside the Museum of the Philadelphian with a fake snow ball inside.Kristen Herrmann for BBGI

Two of the centerpiece attractions were a Jason Kelce sculpture, and a chance to ‘grease the pole’ like a true Philadelphian. There’s a Crisco can next to the pole, with a paint brush stuck inside. Give it a try. It’s super satisfying.

A sculpture of Jason Kelce dressed in his green and white Mummer's costume that he wore when he delivered his famous Super Bowl Parade speech.Kristen Herrmann for BBGIA sculpture of the Philly fan tradition of climbing greased poles after any sports championship win. A fake pair of legs in grey sweatpants and white sneakers descend from the ceiling around a traffic light and pole sculpture at the Museum of the Philadelphian. The Official Register of Philadelphians

The official register of Philadelphians was my favorite part. The exhibits in the museum heavily favored sports and sports fans in Philadelphia… as does the city. I really liked the official register of Philadelphians because it included more varied examples of Philadelphians. The Register included the rotisserie chicken guy, Philly Elmo and everyone in between. The list is already growing.

A plaque on the wall of the Museum of the Philadelphian that reads, "Nominate A Philadelphian". A form below it to register a suggestion for The Register of Philadelphians.Kristen Herrmann for BBGI

There’s a spot below the official register to make suggestions for possible additions too. Flipping through the suggestions in the book was already fun, and it was only the first day that the museum was open. Here’s an example:

The Register of Philadelphians form filled out by a mom about her 1 year old son.Kristen Herrmann for BBGIFree to Enter By Timed Reservation

Admission is free and by timed reservation. Reservations open one week in advance, every Friday at noon. Make your reservations HERE before the Museum closes on November 1st. There’s an email list on the website HERE with more information on availability.