Welcome to the
Wagner Free Institute of Science
The Wagner Free Institute of Science is a natural history museum and educational institution. Founded by William Wagner in 1855, it is dedicated to free education in science.
Now a National Historic Landmark, the Wagner offers contemporary science programs and a rare experience of a Victorian natural history museum.
Visit the Wagner
The Wagner’s landmark museum is free to visit, open all year round, Tuesday - Friday 9:30 - 4:30pm and on the 1st Saturday of the month from February-June & September-December. Our upstairs exhibit hall houses over 100,000 natural specimens, including ancient fossils, glowing minerals and animals from around the globe! Wander at your own pace or follow the path of one of our themed scavenger hunts. Feel free to pick up pencils and paper and spend some time sketching from the collection.
Accessibility note: The Wagner’s building is a National Historic Landmark. The museum is located on the second floor and requires climbing a flight of stairs to view. Contact us for more information about accessibility.
WAGNER Holiday Hours:
Closed:
Monday-Thursday, Dec. 23-26th
Wednesday, Jan. 1st.
Regular hours resume on Jan. 2nd.
Open:
Friday, Dec 27th, 9:30 - 430pm
Monday, Dec. 30th, 9:30-4:30pm Special Monday Hours!
Tuesday, Dec. 31st, 9:30-4:30pm
Special Events
Guided Sketching in the Museum
Friday, December 27th, 2pm
View scientific illustrations and unleash your creativity by sketching in the museum. Guests of all ages and artistic abilities are welcome.
Collections Tour with the Director
Monday, December 30th, 2pm
Get an insider's look at our vast natural history collection and discover the rich history behind the Wagner's rarest specimens!
Children’s Touch Table
Tuesday, December 31st, 2pm
Learn about the special features and behaviors that help animals survive their environments. Observe and handle touchable specimens!
2024 Annual Appeal
To keep our vibrant programs free to all, we need your support!
At the end of each year, we raise vital funds for free science through our Annual Appeal. All gifts to the Appeal are 100% tax deductible and directly support programs that engage people of all ages in science and nature through children's lessons, field trips, multi-week adult courses, special lectures, guided tours, and our free museum and library. In addition to our core educational programs, your donation helps us to care for our landmark building and irreplaceable collections.
Will you help us raise $60,000 by January 15th?
*gifts to the Annual Appeal will NOT renew your membership, visit our membership page to renew.
Stay up to date on our latest programs, events, and courses.
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