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.
Please note: the Wagner’s landmark building is NOT air conditioned. In summer months, the Exhibit Hall may be closed to the public during periods of extreme heat. Closures for weather will be posted here.
Our Next Program is…
October First Saturday
Home Soil: The Minerals and Geology of Philadelphia
Saturday, October 5th from 12:00-4:00 PM
Join us for an illustrated talk in our historic Lecture Hall about rocks and minerals in this region, including many that were found—and can still be found!—in Fairmount Park along Wissahickon Creek. Local geologist Bruce Mitchell of the Philadelphia Mineralogical Society will share facts about, and images of, minerals collected by the society. Featured specimens include some collected a few weeks ago and others collected over a hundred years ago! Adults and children will also have the opportunity to closely examine and handle some of the specimens during the talk and afterward.
Join Our Team!
Museum Educator
We’re looking for a full-time Museum Educator! This position works as part of the Education Department to plan and implement museum-based programming. The Museum Educator will lead and schedule field trips and coordinate visits for college and adult groups. Learn more and apply below!
Stay up to date on our latest programs, events, and courses.
Join our e-newsletter and follow us on Eventbrite to be the first to know when registration opens for new programs!