Visit the Wagner Museum 2024

Come see our landmark building and historic museum collections, including rocks, minerals, fossils, taxidermy animals, mounted skeletons, and more! The exhibit hall is self-guided, allowing visitors to explore and learn at their own pace. For first-time visitors and anyone preferring a little more direction, we have scavenger hunts to guide you and knowledgeable staff on hand to answer any questions.

We are open: Tuesday through Friday 9:30 to 4:30PM & on the 1st Saturday of the month from 12 to 4PM (September through May). Check our website for our schedule of evening programs and special events.

The Wagner also offers lessons and tours for groups. For groups with 10 or more, please schedule an appointment on our website or email [email protected].

• Walk-in visitors are welcome. Advance registration is appreciated and will speed up your entry to the museum.

• Masks are welcomed, but not required

• There is no coat check or place to stow personal items – please travel light.

• 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 and metered parking is available on Bouvier Street and Cecil B. Moore 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.

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

$0 - Wagner members

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.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1700 West Montgomery Avenue, Philadelphia, United States