Wagner Free Institute of Science

1700 W Montgomery Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19121, USA

Address:	1700 W Montgomery Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19121, USA
Phone:	+1 215-763-6529
Site:	wagnerfreeinstitute.org
Rating:	4.7
Working:	Closed 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM Closed Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 18

Ben Steele

Oh man, was this field trip a favorite amongst 5th graders! It is in a cool spot, just down the street from Temple University, where we stopped to eat lunch (you cannot eat inside). The Free Institute has a really cool charm to it, in that all the wood and glass and animal parts inside, it has a real 19th-century feel to it. The lecture portion provided a chance for kids to show what they knew about urban ecology and to touch some specimens, like animal pelts and skeletons. The scavenger hunt, I wasnt so sure about, but that was before I saw the MONSTROUS amount of plant and animal species they have on file at this place! I mean, how many times have you seen an elephant skull? Or the full reconstructed skeleton of a buffalo? This was the most impressive part, even if it creeped out the kids a little! So while you cant spend a whole day at this place, its a great trip for an AM or a PM visit.

m gordon

Wagner Free Institute of Science is a "gem in the hood". They host events for adults/families/kids. Sometimes they collaborate events w/ Chemical Heritage Foundation on 2nd & Chestnut. They also have a summer camp for children.School groups may choose from a wide array of science lessons. This is what they offer for kids: GeoKids is an innovative interdisciplinary outreach program in science and writing for neighborhood elementary students. SNAP (Science, Nature and Art in Philadelphia) is after school and summer programming that unites science and art instruction for neighborhood middle school students. Scout groups may participate in programs to earn badges. Home schooled children may also participate in program offerings. Wagner-to-Go brings the Institute to you!

Cori Frede

Old and outdated but in a historical way; they really try to keep the museum accurate to its origins. Its a great place to bring a field trip because they will create a lesson that relates to most science topics and they dont charge a fee. They do request donations, but even a few dollars per student makes it a cheaper option for classrooms with a tight budget.

Cris Williams

This is a perfectly preserved snapshot into the realm of science in the 1800s. Fossils, minerals, taxidermy, and more! A perfect museum for the science lover, and has such an authentic feel. It is FREE but donations are accepted. Easy access to metro, I spent 1.5 hours happily. Please respect the space.

Gabriel Steven Healy

This place is amazing. I never heard of it before a friend all of a sudden suggests going there. I didnt have enough time to see all the different specimens. *coolest thing to see is the platypus skeleton - just, yeah* I have to go back soon to try to see the rest.

Soul Cooke

I love this museum. Its so nice to walk over from Temple and sit and draw the museum and the specimens for a few hours. Its such an incredible an unique place, like its been frozen in time. And no matter how many times you go theres always something new to learn.

J S

A unique museum experience which should captivate both the young child with any interest in insects, fossils, and animals to the adult with any interest in the biological,geological, and/or paleontological sciences.

Karla Sosa

Really, really cool museum! The natural history collection is quite large, and its interesting to see the late 19th century arrangement that has been preserved. Would absolutely recommend it!

William Frazier

I went there when I was a kid back in the 1960s. I lived down the street back then. I went a couple times since then. Planning to go back soon.

Josh N

Great and FREE museum with an amazing collection of specimens. They also host some awesome events during the year.

Adam Schwartz

i loved being the only person in the entire gallery! Mid week Summer afternoon is the time to go!

uy thai

What a gem!!!! Never knew so many bug s , bees, crustean species. Kids love it

Ayana Bragg

I went there for a trip and it was wonderful

Bev Diaz

Cool homeschool education programs!