Philadelphia - Lyle at the National Museum of American Jewish History

We had our set itinerary of things to do in Philadelphia, but we did not expect to find this:

There were sections of the sidewalk with little crocodile feet everywhere.

Traveling with a kindergarten teacher may let you know that these are the feet of Lyle Lyle Crocodile. It may also make it necessary to find out why they are there. Fortunately the internet makes this easy. There was an exhibit of the art of Bernard Waber at the National Museum of American Jewish History.

http://www.nmajh.org/pastexhibitions.aspx

We were spending more time in Philadelphia than any other stop, but it was because there was so much to do. Could we make time for this additional stop? It seemed more possible when at the main check-in point for our bus tour, we found more footprints and banners.

 The museum was right in the area that we were going to be at at least twice a day. Still, we had a lot to see.

We ended up going in just to ask, and they were near closing time, but the staff was very friendly and helpful.

Many museums have the gift shop located before the entrance, so that you can go in and spend money without paying the admission. That was not the case here, where you do have to pass the admission desk and security before you can get to the store. However, given the lateness of the hour, and their kindness, they let us through to the gift shop, which allowed us to at least see the merchandise and pick up information, because they were also helpful in advising how to find out if the exhibit would be coming near us, or possibly to request a visit here if it wasn't. (Portland has both a children's museum and a Jewish museum - either would be a natural fit.)

We did not see the exhibit, but having talked to various staff I feel like there is a great level of customer orientation. In addition, the lure of the crocodile prints and the signage and everything that they did to ensure that visitors with no idea about the museum or the exhibit would not be capable of missing that the exhibit was happening also makes me think that they are good at what they do.

If I make it to Philadelphia again, that will be a stop.

http://www.nmajh.org/