Wagner Free Institute of Science
The Wagner Institute’s nineteenth century exhibit hall – a soaring three-story space – houses an extraordinary collection of natural history specimens including mounted birds and mammals, fossils, rocks and minerals, insects, shells, dinosaur bones, and the first American saber-toothed tiger, discovered on a museum-sponsored expedition to Florida in 1886. Gathered largely by founder William Wagner and Institute curators and faculty during the nineteenth century, the collections are displayed in cherry-wood and glass cabinets dating from the 1880s and maintain their original “systematic” scheme, providing a rare view of a Victorian science museum.
The Institute began in 1855 as one of the earliest free adult science education programs in the United States. From the beginning it has combined public access to natural history and science materials with lively educational programs taught by acknowledged scholars. That agenda has altered little over time except to incorporate new fields of science and new theories of older disciplines. Today, adults may select from a broad range of college-level courses in the natural sciences taught by faculty from Philadelphia’s outstanding colleges, universities, and research institutions. Special lecture series and symposia regularly bring nationally-known scientists to the Institute for academic programs which are open to the public. In addition, the Institute serves more than 10,000 children each year through an array of science lessons and its innovative GeoKids program – an interdisciplinary outreach in science and writing for neighborhood elementary students.
1700 West Montgomery Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Telephone: 215-763-6529
Email: info@wagnerfreeinstitute.org
www.wagnerfreeinstitute.org
HOURS
Museum:
Tuesday - Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM
Weekend programs (also see our Upcoming Events page)
Library:
Tuesday - Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM (appointment required)
Programs:
Adult courses Weekday evenings, 6:30 - 9 PM & Saturday mornings Children’s lessons Tuesday - Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM (reservation required)
Office:
Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM
Closed National Holidays
ADMISSION
The Institute is committed to its mission of making scientific information and resources available to a wide audience. Admission to all education programs is free of charge. A donation of $8 is suggested for museum visitors. Guided tours are $15 for adults, $10 for members of the Institute and senior citizens, and $5 for children. Call for group rates. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
EDUCATION AND TOUR PROGRAMS
Reservations are required for all group visits. To schedule a children’s lesson or field trip visit, call the children’s education department at 215-763-6529 x17. To schedule a guided tour, art class or other group visit, please contact 215-763-6529 x17.
RESEARCH APPOINTMENTS
The library and archive collections are open to researchers during regular hours by appointment. To make a reservation, call the Librarian at 215-763-6529 x12.
The museum collections are also available to researchers. Hours of access vary from regular museum hours. Visit the museum page for more information or call 215-763-6529 x14.
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