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…
September Back-to-School Saturday Open House
Saturday, September 14th from 12:00-4:00 PM
Saturday hours are back! Come explore the museum, do a scavenger hunt, draw some specimens and visit our teaching garden in the yard (weather permitting). We'll have information about our fall program schedule, including field trips, hands-on science lessons, evening courses, public talks and special events!
Stay up to date on our latest programs, events, and courses.
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