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Writer's pictureIrene Levy Baker

Mask Jawn

Updated: Aug 24, 2020

A look at themed masks from Philadelphia attractions.

Tiger mask photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo


Congratulations Philadelphia! According to the New York Times, more Philadelphians wear masks than residents of most other American cities.

And if we’re going to be covering half of our faces, we can certainly do it in style - Philadelphia style. Check out this list of Philadelphia attractions offering themed masks.


Philadelphia Zoo (Now open!)

  • 2 designs available: tigers & lions

  • Cost: $12.99 for adult masks. $9.99 for kid-sized masks.

  • Sold only at the Zoo. Not available online.

Tip: More animal faces may be added to line in the future.


The Barnes Foundation (Now open!)

Mask photo courtesy of The Barnes Foundation
  • 11 design inspired by works in the Barnes collection -- Work by French pointillist painter Henri Edmund Cross, details of the wallpaper in Vincent Van Gogh’s The Postman, details of Henri Rousseau’s Woman Walking in an Exotic Forest, and featuring a charming Pennsylvania Dutch watercolor.

  • Comfortable, washable & reusable.

  • Made of two layers of fabric (one cotton, one poly) and have soft elastic ear loops.

  • Produced at a small American manufacturer based in Rhode Island who, before the pandemic, supplied The Barnes Shop with neckties. As part of our arrangement with this company, masks have also been made for and donated to Project HOME

  • Child’s sizes will be available soon.

  • Cost: $19.95.

  • Available exclusively at the Barnes Shop. Click here

Tip: Barnes members get a 10% discount.

McGillin’s Olde Ale House, Philly’s oldest bar (open intermittently - check website for details)

Photo courtesy of McGillin's Olde Ale House
  • 3 styles -- traditional, bandanas and gaiters

  • 5 colors -- traditional (green & black), bandanas (black & burgundy) and gaiters (black)

  • With the bar’s name, logo, or paying homage to one of it’s house beers, the McGillin's 1860 IPA

  • Made in America by Boathouse Sports, a Conshohocken-based sporting goods company.

  • Cost: Traditional masks are double ply and cost $12.99, bandanas are $8 and gaiters are $10.

  • Only available from McGillin’s online store. Click here

Tip: The online store also sells caps, t-shirts, McGillin's thongs and baby onesies. They won't protect you against the virus, but they will make you look awesome.


National Museum of American Jewish History (Re-opening date not yet announced)

  • More than 2 dozen styles ranging from a sushi mask to a Noah’s ark mask (for children) that are hand-made in the USA of 100% cotton, hand wash only, hang dry.

  • The bagel mask does not come with cream cheese but the mahjong mask does come with its own bag.

  • Prices vary.

  • Available online at: Click here

Tip: Some masks (think Dr. Fauci, RBG and Andrew Cuomo) come with matching socks. Gotta love that!


Mutter Museum (re-opened 7/18/20)

Photo courtesy the Mutter Museum
  • A timely exhibit, "Spit Spreads Death: The Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919,” has spawned a mask stating Spit Spreads Death.

  • Made from a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex

  • Sells for $8

  • Available online: click here


Tip: One of the fun things about the museum is its sense of humor. Check the museum store for great finds like a plague doctor cookie cutter or a giant plush colon.

More stylish Philly looks:

Temple University - Tip: Offering 25% off merchandise at time of publication

Sixers - Tip: Many ship free

Union - Tip: Proceeds benefit the Philadelphia Union Foundation's Covid-19 relief efforts

Villanova- Tip: Lots of options for Wildcat fans Have more local masks to add? Tell us about it! Click here for contact information.


Keep up the good work Philly! #MaskUpPHL #MaskUpPA #MaskUp


 

by Irene Levy Baker, author, 100 Things To Do In Philadelphia and Unique Eats & Eateries of Philadelphia. Both books are full of tips. For even more tips, visit www.100ThingsToDoInPhiladelphia.com. Planning a staycation? Go to the website for signed copies of books. For free shipping, use promo code TheCityPulse.


Click here for more blog postings by Irene Levy Baker including two posts with tips for how to help restaurants survive.

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