Wagner Free Institute of Science

The museum itself is a work of art! It has that awesome academia feel with a vast collection of specimens, rocks, fossils, and more. I went for their Mushroom event today and really loved the lecture. The staff we're friendly and answered all our questions and have plent of recommendations for getting involved in programs. They have made awesome scavenger hunts and activity sheets for the kids to enjoy, and honestly I should have picked one up myself! The museum feels perfectly frozen in time and sitting in the lecture hall thinking of how many great minds and lectures have been had there over it's 170 years. The note cards under specimens you'll find often are beautifully handwritten long long ago.

This is an amazing gift! It shows you the history of this city and it’s thoughtfulness around science. And the history of the natural sciences beginning in the 1850s. It’s an amazing building with an amazing collection that is free and accessible and welcoming.

The Wagner Free Institute of Science was definitely worth the visit. As a lover of the Victorian era, I was excited to see that there was a nearly in-tact, Victorian nature history museum in Philadelphia. The museum is a time machine, and very warm and inviting. There is a lecture hall on the main floor with lovely, old looking chairs (the hall is still used today!) and the museum on the second floor is just so well kept and preserved. The institute has a National Historic Landmark designation as well. Although you cannot take pictures of the second floor, the experience was really wonderful. There are a lot of animal skeletons, taxidermies, and collections of natural things like shells and rocks. It was very quiet and peaceful when I visited on a weekday in the afternoon, and the staff were really wonderful. If you are interested in natural history, this place is worth visiting. It is also donation based, and you can register for free tickets on their Eventbrite page to use any time of day. There are also many events that take place here!

I learned so much during my visit a bit ago! Did you know William Wagner pioneered free education in Philly when no one else was for it? This museum will teach you about our storied history, introduce you to fossils, minerals, rocks, bird nests, animal fur, plants, skeletons, stuffed creatures, the most beautiful crystal collection Ive ever seen and so much more! Its also family friendly, the day i went a school had a field trip there and seemed to really be enjoying themselves.

It is a hidden gem, a little far from touristic area, close to temple university so easy to access by public transport (no parking). Building and collection are old but that is the charm of the place. Collection is pretty large although does not seem like it as it is only a single large room but it is very interesting: animals, insects, minerals. Free but you can register online.