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 will be closed to the public on November 14 & 15, 2024 ahead of our A Sip of Science benefit party. View all museum hours and planned closures here.
Our Next Program is…
Winter at the Wagner:
December First Saturday Open House
Saturday, December 7th, 5:30-8:30pm
Shelter from the cold this December during the Wagner's First Saturday Open House! Happening on Saturday, December 7th from 12pm - 4pm, visitors will dig up and identify different types of shark teeth, craft paper snowflakes, and learn about the history of the Wagner. Covering the life of William Wagner, founding of the Institute, and the architecture of our building, the history of the Wagner talk will be given at 1pm and again at 3pm.
Science You Can Wear
We are excited to re-introduce a limited-time-only merch drop! With totes, t-shirts, and crewneck sweatshirts with designs inspired by our collections, you’ll be able to show your love for the Wagner in style. Browse the entire selection here.
When you order you don't just get cool Wagner swag, you help make our work possible for the next year - that means free museum visits, weeknight public talks and lectures, weekend family programs, library research, and weekly science classes for 5 North Philly elementary schools.
Merch available for order now through 11/24/2024
Stay up to date on our latest programs, events, and courses.
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