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.
Join Our Team!
SNAP Teaching Artist
The Wagner is looking for a part-time Teaching Artist to join our Children’s Education team! This role will lead our SNAP: Science, Nature, and Art in Philadelphia program which partners with 5 schools in North Philadelphia and uses hands-on art projects to teach science concepts and encourage creative expression. Learn more and apply below!
Upcoming Events
Join us for a special edition of Science on Tap as we explore Revolutions in Science with food, drink, and presentations from multiple speakers. Hear from Sara Ray, Senior Director of Interpretation at the Mutter Museum; Taylor Bailey, science and environmental historian; Roland Wall, Executive Director for the Patrick Center for Environmental Research at the Academy of Natural Sciences; and Scott McRobert, Professor of Biology at St Joseph’s University. This is a ticketed event at Benjamin Franklin Hall in Old City, and space is limited. $20 ticket price includes refreshments. Come celebrate with us in the revolutionary city!
Science Untapped: Scientific Revolutions
Monday, 8/10/26 from 6:00pm, $20
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