Wagner Free Institute of Science
| Type | Natural history museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 1700 West Montgomery Avenue |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | North Philadelphia |
| Phone | (215) 763-6529 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1855 |
| Founder | William Wagner |
| Director | Susan Glassman |
| Hours | Tue-Fri 9 AM - 4 PM |
The Wagner Free Institute of Science is a natural history museum and educational institution in North Philadelphia that has remained virtually unchanged since the Victorian era. Founded in 1855 by philanthropist William Wagner, the institute was created to provide free science education to the public and continues that mission today. The museum's exhibition hall, with its original wooden cases filled with fossils, minerals, mounted animals, and specimens, offers a unique "museum of a museum" experience—a glimpse into how natural history was presented in the 19th century.[1]
The Wagner's grand Victorian hall houses over 100,000 specimens in original display cases, exactly as they were arranged over 130 years ago. Unlike modern museums with interactive displays and updated presentations, the Wagner deliberately preserves its 19th-century character, making it a National Historic Landmark and one of the most authentic Victorian-era museum experiences in America.[2]
History
[edit | edit source]William Wagner
[edit | edit source]William Wagner (1796-1885) was a Philadelphia merchant, naturalist, and philanthropist. Throughout his life, Wagner collected natural history specimens and believed passionately in making scientific education available to all people regardless of their ability to pay.
In 1855, Wagner founded the Wagner Free Institute of Science to house his collections and provide free public lectures on science—a radical idea at a time when scientific education was largely limited to the wealthy.
The Building
[edit | edit source]The current building was constructed between 1859 and 1865, designed by architect John McArthur Jr. (who also designed Philadelphia City Hall). The building includes:
- Grand exhibition hall with three-story atrium
- Original wooden specimen cases
- Library and lecture hall
- Victorian architectural details throughout
Free Education Mission
[edit | edit source]From its founding, the Wagner has offered:
- Free public lectures on science
- Free access to its museum and library
- Community education programs
- Scientific resources for all
This mission continues today.
National Historic Landmark
[edit | edit source]The Wagner Free Institute was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990, recognized for:
- Preservation of Victorian museum presentation methods
- Architectural significance
- Historical importance in science education
- Authentic 19th-century collections
The Exhibition Hall
[edit | edit source]A Victorian Time Capsule
[edit | edit source]The museum's exhibition hall has remained essentially unchanged since the 1880s:
- Original cases: Hand-built wooden display cabinets
- Original specimens: Fossils, minerals, mounted animals, shells
- Original arrangement: Taxonomic organization from the 1880s
- Original labels: Hand-written specimen cards
This preservation is intentional—the Wagner maintains its Victorian character as a living example of how science was presented in the 19th century.
Collections
[edit | edit source]Over 100,000 specimens including:
| Category | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Fossils | Dinosaur bones, ancient marine life, plant fossils |
| Minerals | Geological specimens, crystals, ores |
| Mounted Animals | Birds, mammals, reptiles from around the world |
| Shells | Extensive mollusk collection |
| Insects | Entomological specimens |
| Botanical | Pressed plants and plant specimens |
The Saber-Toothed Cat
[edit | edit source]One of the museum's most notable specimens is a saber-toothed cat (Smilodon) skull, along with other Ice Age fossils.
Joseph Leidy Connection
[edit | edit source]Famed paleontologist Joseph Leidy organized the Wagner's collections in the 1880s and served as a lecturer. Leidy was one of America's most important 19th-century scientists.
Visiting the Wagner
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- Tuesday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Closed: Saturday, Sunday, Monday
- Closed major holidays
Admission
[edit | edit source]- Free: Admission is always free (donations welcome)
- Guided tours available by appointment
Tips
[edit | edit source]- Allow 1-1.5 hours for a self-guided visit
- Embrace the Victorian atmosphere
- Read the original hand-written labels
- The building itself is part of the experience
- Great for history lovers and those interested in museum history
- Check website for free lecture series schedule
Getting There
[edit | edit source]- SEPTA Broad Street Line: Cecil B. Moore Station (5-minute walk)
- SEPTA Bus: Route 4
- Walking: Located at 17th Street and Montgomery Avenue
- Parking: Street parking available
Location
[edit | edit source]The museum is located in North Philadelphia, north of Center City. The neighborhood is mixed—the museum is a cultural anchor in the community.
Educational Programs
[edit | edit source]Free Lectures
[edit | edit source]Continuing its founding mission, the Wagner offers:
- Free public lectures on science topics
- Programs on natural history, biology, geology
- Distinguished speaker series
- Community science education
Youth Programs
[edit | edit source]- School field trips
- Science education outreach
- Summer programs
- After-school science clubs
Adult Education
[edit | edit source]- Lecture series
- Workshops
- Library access
- Research opportunities
See Also
[edit | edit source]- Academy of Natural Sciences
- Natural History in Philadelphia
- North Philadelphia
- Science in Philadelphia
- Victorian Philadelphia
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "About the Wagner". Wagner Free Institute of Science. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Wagner Free Institute of Science". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025