This wonderful little gem is just a few blocks from Temple… I wish my biology professors informed us that the specimens we were studying in lecture were housed just mere blocks away! Its collection delves into systematics, conchology, paleontology, comparative anatomy, and geology.The number of specimens and geologic objects this place puts on display is astonishing. I went on a quiet day and got what was essentially a one-on-one tour by an incredibly well-informed guide. I was so surprised about how much she knew about the building and how well she engaged with what I seemed to take interest in. The quality and variety of the objects there make the Wagner a must-see for anyone interested in the natural sciences or the history of science.It’s a lovely little historical place that preserves its history without compromising modern scientific fact. Don’t forget to leave a donation! They hold tons of free programs throughout the year as well.

Kids loved it. There was so much to see in the glass cases. Pictured is everyone acting like an orangutan. I could have spent hours looking at everything but the kids lasted about 45 mins. I prepped them by saying that a little boy collected all the creatures and rocks and kept doing it until he got old and used what he found to teach other people. They seemed to like that.Tips- no place to park stroller. Had to carry it into the hall and they kept it for me in the staff room.-very close access to Cecil b Moore stop on septa.-not very busy in the morning until a school group came in.-except for the horse there wasn’t anything else that was touchable in the museum.

A remarkable free and often overlooked museum which features a collection of natural science items (fossils, taxidermy items, skeltons) in a building which have both largely gone unchanged since the 1880s. Various events and educational offerings are held throughout the year to further the founders principals of providing free science education. The collections are only typically open during day hours throughout the week. Check hours ahead of time. The museum is not wheelchair accessible (due to the age of the facility) and there is no air conditioning. Consider parking at Temple and walking up Montgomery Ave.Make sure to check out this rare and valuable facility.

Just amazing ..some of the displays are original from the 1800s...well worth your time...

One of the most remarkable attractions in North Philadelphia! This free museum, founded in 1855, feels like an elaborate time capsule, with an extensive collection of fossils, geologic specimens, and taxidermied animals dating back to the 19th Century. I could have spent hours exploring the glass cases. The building also has a historic lecture hall, and the institute sponsors classes and lectures year-round. I kept expecting Darwin to pop out from behind a doorway to point out his latest find.If youre in the Temple area and are looking for an interesting pit-stop, this is your best bet. I still cant believe something like this is offered free-of-charge.

This is a perfectly preserved snapshot into the realm of science in the 1800s. Fossils, minerals, taxidermy, and more! A perfect museum for the science lover, and has such an authentic feel. It is FREE but donations are accepted. Easy access to metro, I spent 1.5 hours happily. Please respect the space.

I love this museum. Its so nice to walk over from Temple and sit and draw the museum and the specimens for a few hours. Its such an incredible an unique place, like its been frozen in time. And no matter how many times you go theres always something new to learn.

Old and outdated but in a historical way; they really try to keep the museum accurate to its origins. Its a great place to bring a field trip because they will create a lesson that relates to most science topics and they dont charge a fee. They do request donations, but even a few dollars per student makes it a cheaper option for classrooms with a tight budget.

This place is amazing. I never heard of it before a friend all of a sudden suggests going there. I didnt have enough time to see all the different specimens.*coolest thing to see is the platypus skeleton - just, yeah*I have to go back soon to try to see the rest.

Spectacular late 19th century cabinet of curiosities, with everything from lumps of coal to pre-historic life. The museum is free (hence the name), and visits can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on your level of interest. Several blocks from Temple University, and accessible by SEPTA. Also, check to see what programs will be coming soon as there are always a slew of programmed events and lectures every month. Museum may be interesting for children (depending on their interests), and has a vast amount of items in their collection from the late 19th century to the present.

I love this place! I wish it was open on weekends, I want to make my husband and baby there

Really, really cool museum! The natural history collection is quite large, and its interesting to see the late 19th century arrangement that has been preserved. Would absolutely recommend it!

Wagner Free Institute of Science is a gem in the hood. They host events for adults/families/kids. Sometimes they collaborate events w/ Chemical Heritage Foundation on 2nd & Chestnut. They also have a summer camp for children.School groups may choose from a wide array of science lessons. This is what they offer for kids:GeoKids is an innovative interdisciplinary outreach program in science and writing for neighborhood elementary students.SNAP (Science, Nature and Art in Philadelphia) is after school and summer programming that unites science and art instruction for neighborhood middle school students.Scout groups may participate in programs to earn badges.Home schooled children may also participate in program offerings.Wagner-to-Go brings the Institute to you!

Was an excellent choice for anyone interested in early science

A unique museum experience which should captivate both the young child with any interest in insects, fossils, and animals to the adult with any interest in the biological,geological, and/or paleontological sciences.

Great and FREE museum with an amazing collection of specimens. They also host some awesome events during the year.

I loved being the only person in the entire gallery! Mid week Summer afternoon is the time to go!

Oh man, was this field trip a favorite amongst 5th graders! It is in a cool spot, just down the street from Temple University, where we stopped to eat lunch (you cannot eat inside).The Free Institute has a really cool charm to it, in that all the wood and glass and animal parts inside, it has a real 19th-century feel to it. The lecture portion provided a chance for kids to show what they knew about urban ecology and to touch some specimens, like animal pelts and skeletons.The scavenger hunt, I wasnt so sure about, but that was before I saw the MONSTROUS amount of plant and animal species they have on file at this place! I mean, how many times have you seen an elephant skull? Or the full reconstructed skeleton of a buffalo? This was the most impressive part, even if it creeped out the kids a little! So while you cant spend a whole day at this place, its a great trip for an AM or a PM visit.

What a gem!!!! Never knew so many bug s, bees, crustean species. Kids love it

Love it

Great

A Philly Hidden Gem.

I went there for a trip and it was wonderful

Unique and historical

Cool homeschool education programs!

I went there when I was a kid back in the 1960s. I lived down the street back then. I went a couple times since then. Planning to go back soon.

Nice place