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
March First Saturday Open House:
Mushroom Madness!
Saturday, March 1st from 12 - 4pm
Spring is almost here—get ready to forage by learning all about mushrooms during our March First Saturday Open House! The Wagner will be open from 12 to 4 pm for an afternoon packed with hands-on activities, museum exploration, and an “Introduction to Mushrooms” presentation given by Philadelphia Mycology Club president Sam Bucciarelli in our Victorian lecture hall at 1PM and again at 3PM. Learn more and Register below.
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