About this Event
What can real-life observation—of skeletons, fossils, and other natural specimens—teach us about the inner workings of humans and animals? Join the Wagner and The Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library in learning about anatomical structures, how the study of anatomy has developed since the 19th century, and the vital role museums and their collections play in advancing scientific knowledge.
Enjoy an engaging presentation from Mütter Museum about comparative anatomy, as well as a plethora of hands-on activities for all ages! Test your scientific knowledge with a skeleton matching game, a bone model pop-up, and a make-your-own paper skeleton!
Visitors can also draw from observation of the Wagner’s vast collection of skeletons and taxidermy to draw their own scientific illustrations. Hang your drawings in the museum or take them home with you. Then head out to the Wagner’s Teaching Garden to create and take home your very own wet specimen! Learn about different preservation methods, explore the garden for various natural materials (including flowers, bugs, sticks), and preserve them in small jars with the help of Wagner staff.
Sara Ray, PhD, Senior Director of Interpretation and Engagement at will deliver a special talk in our Victorian lecture hall at 1 PM and again at 3 PM! Learn about the 19th-century science of comparative anatomy and the central role of museums in the scientific quest to understand nature’s order and laws. There will also be educational materials related to historic anatomical and medical instruction on view from the Mütter Museum!
The Exhibit Hall will be open for self-guided exploration of the natural history collection throughout the day. Explore our 100,000 natural history specimens, including ancient fossils, glowing minerals and animals from around the globe. Wander at your own pace or follow the path of one of our themed scavenger hunts!
About The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
With a founding mandate to “lessen human misery,” The College of Physicians of Philadelphia has worked to improve the lives of individuals, communities, and society overall by challenging the public’s understanding of health and well-being since its founding in 1787. Through the Mütter Museum, Historical Medical Library, and Benjamin Rush Medicinal Plant Garden, the College serves the Greater Philadelphia region and beyond, sharing stories of medicine and public health through robust collections of rare books, archives, historical objects, and biological specimens. Explore the complex histories of medicine, engage in dialogue about well-being, and expand the understanding of the human body with the College.
Things to Know Before Your Visit
• Walk-in visitors are welcome. Advance registration is appreciated and will speed up your entry to the museum.
• There is no coat check or place to stow personal items – please travel light.
• The museum is located on the second floor of the building. There are 5 steps at the entryway and a flight of stairs to access the museum. It is not wheelchair accessible.
• To protect the specimens and our historic interiors, photography is not allowed in the museum. Open containers of food and drink are not permitted in the building.
•The Institute does not have a parking lot. Street parking on Montgomery Avenue and 17th Street is free. There is 2-hour free parking on Bouvier Street and on many blocks near the Wagner and metered parking on Cecil B. Moore Avenue. The nearest parking garage is at the Liacouras Center on 15th Street and Montgomery Avenue.
A dream that keeps growing…
In 1855, William Wagner had a dream of providing free science education to anyone who wanted to learn, regardless of background or ability to pay. Today, the Wagner offers more programs to more people than ever before! Your support helps us provide free education, not only through the museum, but through a wide range of courses, lectures, field trips, and children’s science programs. Donations also assist us in caring for the museum and library collections and in preserving our wonderful building, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. To learn more about what we do please visit our website.
Registration Information
In keeping with its original charter, admission is FREE—donations are suggested to ensure the future and quality of Wagner's free education programs and to preserve its National Landmark building and collections.
Suggested Donations
$25/Family
$10/adult
$5/student
For any questions, please email [email protected] or call 215-763-6529 x17.
If you would like to check your membership status or become a member, please email [email protected] or call 215-763-6529 x11.
Images:
"Corresponding Joints in Horse and Man" Diagram, Wagner Collections
The Wagner Free Institute of Science Exhibit Hall
Celebesian Babyroussa skull, Wagner Collections
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 W Montgomery Ave, Philadelphia, United States
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