Wagner Free Institute Of Science

The wagner free institute of science is located in its original 19th century building, which was designated a national historic landmark in 1990. Its collections include a museum of than 100,000 natural history specimens, including many scientifically and historically important fossils, minerals and zoological specimens. Artifact collections include scientific instruments, demonstration equipment, anthropological materials, and the historic furnishings and fixtures. The museum is open to visitors free of charge, year-round. The wagner also offers guided tours and programming focused on the collections. The museum also serves as a resource for students, scholars and the public. In 2023, museum visitors came from 45 states and 13 countries.

Education programs include free courses, lectures, and special programs on-site and at locations around the city for adults and children. Programs are available to the public at large free of charge and benefit thousands of children and adults annually. In 2023, the wagner served 22,500 people both in-person and online though its education, museum and library programs. This includes field trips and lessons for schools and other groups; geokids, an award-winning hands-on science program serving 600 children annually at five north philadelphia elementary schools and snap: science, nature and art in philadelphia, an extension of geokids that serves 400 middle school children at the same schools. Snap integrate science learning with art. Geokids links, a partnership with a local university, integrates science faculty and graduate and undergraduate students into geokids implementation, development and evaluation.

The wagner has ongoing capital projects designed to preserve its landmark building, protect the collections and enhance service to the public. It is currently preparing for an upgrade to the hvac system of the library wing that will improve environmental conditions for the library and archives, and increase energy efficiency and sustainability for the entire institution.