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.
Upcoming Events
Winter Course:
Plant Symbiosis with Professor Karen Snetselaar
6 Tuesdays from January 14 - February 18, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
The term “symbiosis” literally means “living together” and in biology, it refers to a relationship where two organisms interact very closely. This course will focus on symbiotic relationships involving plants with other organisms, including animals and microbes. Read the full course description and register below.
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.
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