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Museum Hours:Wednesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm

Hours & Admission

Museum Hours

Wednesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm

Admission

The Science History Institute Museum is free and open to the public.

During your visit, you can view our permanent exhibition, which traces the history of science—from medieval alchemy to modern plastics, and everything in between—or explore Earthly Matters, a permanent exhibition featuring a unique display of more than 20 minerals that tells the story of human curiosity about the material world around us.

You can also see our rotating exhibitions including our outdoor exhibition, our ExhibitLab display, and our new Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks exhibition; play with our interactive touch table to learn about the fascinating science behind everyday objects; explore special topics and themes with our staff; enjoy a guided family activity; or try a self-guided scavenger hunt, puzzle, or activity sheet. On average, visitors spend about an hour in our museum.

To ensure a positive visitor experience, reservations are required for groups larger than 12 regardless of interest in guided programming. Please call 215.925.2222 or email tours@sciencehistory.org for more information.

To learn more about guided programming, please visit our Group & School Tours page. 

All visitors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a chaperone or guardian; unaccompanied minors are not permitted.

Address

315 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Email: museum@sciencehistory.org
Directions

Holidays

Our museum team works hard to bring you engaging exhibitions and programs. And sometimes we need a break to recharge!

The Science History Institute Museum is closed on the following holidays:

  • New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Presidents’ Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving weekend (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)
  • Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

On view

Flash! Bang! Boom! A History of Fireworks

Part of America’s 250th celebrations, this sparkling exhibition explores the origins of and the science behind fireworks.
photo of an azurite specimen

Earthly Matters

Explore a unique collection of minerals that tells the story of human curiosity about the material world around us.
woman and child in front of a museum exhibit

Permanent Exhibition

Explore more than 500 years of scientific inquiry into the material world.

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