Wagner Free Institute of Science

Barb Hauck-Mah (barbhmphilly)

7 months ago

The Wagner natural history museum is another Philly first, tucked away on the Temple U campus. For more than 160 years, it's offered free science education programs to adults and now for all ages. The museum preserves its 19th century layout.There are rows of glass-cased specimens with antique hand-lettered labels. Photography is prohibited, but sketching is encouraged. If you enjoy scavenger hunts, there are multiple lists by the exhibit entrance table. The auditorium features the original projector which they claim to still use for programs. Collection highlights for us included the horse skeleton, brontosaurus bone and the cases of beautifully-preserved animals, birds and shells. Museum admission is free (donations welcome) and it is close to public transportation.

Paul Butler

4 years ago

A remarkable free and often overlooked museum which features a collection of natural science items (fossils, taxidermy items, skeltons) in a building which have both largely gone unchanged since the 1880s. Various events and educational offerings are held throughout the year to further the founders principals of providing free science education. The collections are only typically open during day hours throughout the week. Check hours ahead of time. The museum is not wheelchair accessible (due to the age of the facility) and there is no air conditioning. Consider parking at Temple and walking up Montgomery Ave. Make sure to check out this rare and valuable facility.

Coolie Davis

3 weeks ago

Interesting little museum. It's free admission. It's different than most museums you'll visit. Nice collection of minerals, taxidermy, and fossils. It's an old collection, and some of the items show they're age.

Jon Falciani

4 years ago

This wonderful little gem is just a few blocks from Temple… I wish my biology professors informed us that the specimens we were studying in lecture were housed just mere blocks away! Its collection delves into systematics, conchology, paleontology, comparative anatomy, and geology. The number of specimens and geologic objects this place puts on display is astonishing. I went on a quiet day and got what was essentially a one-on-one tour by an incredibly well-informed guide. I was so surprised about how much she knew about the building and how well she engaged with what I seemed to take interest in. The quality and variety of the objects there make the Wagner a must-see for anyone interested in the natural sciences or the history of science. It’s a lovely little historical place that preserves its history without compromising modern scientific fact. Don’t forget to leave a donation! They hold tons of free programs throughout the year as well.

Angel Rosario

9 months ago

It's multi-level with the museum on the second floor (no elevator), so keep that in mind when planning your visit! It's also a historic building, which makes it feel even more like a hidden gem: there aren't many places like this left where you can wander around at your own pace without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by crowds. The staff are kind and knowledgeable and will give you an introduction to any exhibit or take you on a tour if you ask. There are so many specimens, it's essentially been kind of frozen in time since the institute began. It's a calm environment with friendly staff.