The Science History Institute Museum is closed for renovations.
The Othmer Library remains open by appointment.

Vibrant, dazzling, BOLD: Our world is full of color.

But how do you capture a rainbow? Through chemistry, we imitate the hues found in nature or innovate a spectrum of new shades.

colorful graphic for BOLD exhibition

Join the Science History Institute as we celebrate the opening of our newest exhibition, BOLD: Color from Test Tube to Textile. Drawing on rich collections of dye sample books, vivid clothing, and unique scientific instruments, BOLD explores more than 150 years of synthetic dye-making, from the laboratory and the factory, to the runway and the home, from mauve to shocking pink and every tint in between.

The evening will feature a curator’s talk, fun fashion, hands-on crafts, pop-up displays, and more! Curator Elisabeth Berry Drago will answer your questions and share behind-the-scenes stories from the making of BOLD.

Be the first to tour the exhibition, then snap a pic at our virtual photo booth, try your hand at fashion sketching and collage, and enjoy light refreshments. Wear your most vibrant looks, and you can participate in our colorful costume contest . . . you may even take home a BOLD prize! We’re also giving away a limited-edition BOLD swag bag to the first 150 visitors* through the door.

*one (1) swag bag per family

Special Guests

company logos

More events

abstraction of textile raw materials
March 10, 2025
Science on Tap

Who Grows Your Clothes?

The cofounders of PA Fibershed explore the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry.

Illustration on bright green background with figures on cards representing vegetable farmers
March 13, 2025
Joseph Priestley Society

Functional Food and Drink: What’s for Lunch in the Global Cafeteria?

This virtual panel will discuss what functional food means in the U.S. and other countries and how chemistry helps deliver protein, carbohydrates, fat, and flavor.

Book cover image for "Slouch: Posture Panic in Modern America"
March 19, 2025
Programs, Lectures & Talks

Slouch: Posture Panic in Modern America

Professor and author Beth Linker reveals the surprising origins of our concerns over poor posture.

    Republish

    Copy the above HTML to republish this content. We have formatted the material to follow our guidelines, which include our credit requirements. Please review our full list of guidelines for more information. By republishing this content, you agree to our republication requirements.