We live in a vibrant, colorful world! This First Friday, explore how artists capture the colors of nature through pigments, paints, and dyes.

Watch recreations of historical paint-making techniques, learn about the toxic beauty of poisonous pigments, examine the tools of the artist’s trade, and enjoy pop-up displays from our special collections. You’ll also learn about natural dyes like indigo and henna, and take home your very own henna design!

About First Fridays

Spark your curiosity while exploring the exhibits after hours! First Fridays bring together a myriad of activities covering everyday science, historical oddities, and everything in between. Grab your friends, and kick off an evening of discovery, surprise, and a little nerdy fun.

First Fridays at the Institute are always free and open to the public. Attendees will receive a 10% discount to National Mechanics restaurant.

More events

frontispiece plate of illustrations of the blood spectra
September 30, 2023
For Families

Stories of Science

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

Notebook cover with marbled paint
October 4, 2023
Conferences & Symposia

Science in Humanities, Humanities in Science: Embedded Connections

Historians and social scientists of science, technology, and medicine discuss their collaborative work to develop and deploy “embedded connections” in the humanities and STEM fields.

cachet of stamps depicting Alfred Nobel and winners
October 4, 2023
Classes & Workshops

What’s Behind a Nobel Prize?

In this course Roger Turner will show how the Nobel Prize can be an entry point for more inclusive stories about the people who work in science.

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