Memorial Hall is the only major structure from Philadelphia's 1876 Centennial Exposition that still stands.
Designed by Herman J. Schwarzmann, the Beaux-Arts building served as the exposition's art gallery. Construction began in 1874, and the building was completed in time for the opening ceremonies on May 10, 1876. Its large dome and monumental design made it one of the fair's most recognizable structures.
After the exposition, Memorial Hall reopened in 1877 as part of the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art. The museum later evolved into the Philadelphia Museum of Art, although the institution eventually moved elsewhere. Memorial Hall has also served as a police station, gymnasium, swimming pool, and office space.
The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976, the same year as the United States Bicentennial. Since 2008, it has housed the Please Touch Museum. It is sometimes confused with Independence Hall, but Independence Hall predates the Centennial Exposition and was the site of major founding-era political events.