Step Back in Time: Discover the Fascinating World of the Wagner Free Institute of Science

The Wagner Free Institute of Science in Philadelphia is a unique destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the past. Founded in 1855, the institute is a natural history museum, educational center, and library housed in a National Historic Landmark. The displays and specimens within are original to the time period, giving visitors a glimpse of how people in the 1800s would have experienced them.

Executive Director Susan Glassman notes that the displays have remained largely unchanged since the 1890s, providing a snapshot of natural history at that time. This offers visitors the chance to see how our understanding of the natural world has evolved over the years. The Wagner also offers free educational programs for both children and adults, reflecting its mission of providing access to science and its wonders.

One of the most rewarding aspects of visiting the Wagner is witnessing the sense of wonder that visitors, especially children, experience when they explore the displays. Glassman explains that the institute is a place where people can come and be inspired by the natural world around them. To learn more about the Wagner Free Institute of Science and its offerings, visit their website at wagnerfreeinstitute.org.