Apr 4, 2025

Wagner Free Institute of Science Philadelphia

History saved

"The "Wagner Free Institute of Science" is a little-known gem in Philadelphia founded in 1855. What makes it so fascinating is how little it has changed!"

Museum visitors to Philadelphia are usually familiar with two main science museums, the Franklin Institute, and the Academy of Natural Sciences. However, there is a little-know gem located north of center city close to Temple University, the Wagner Free Institute of Science.

What makes the Wagner Institute so fascinating is that the museum’s exhibit hall is nearly unchanged from how it appeared in the 19th Century. In it, you will find marvels of the time, such as fossils, skeletons and the first American sabre tooth tiger. Many of the specimens displayed are ‘type specimens” meaning that they are the first identification of a new species.

The Wagner Institute was founded in 1855 by its namesake William Wagner, a local merchant and natural history enthusiast.  He believed that education for the sciences should be available to everyone and used to offer free lectures in his home. Once he opened the museum, the lectures moved there, and one of their most noted teachers was famous paleontologist Margaret Mead. The Museum is only open Monday through Thursday for self-guided tours, so if you are a big fan of science museums, be sure to make time to check out the Wagner Free Institute of Science.

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

West Montgomery Avenue 1700

Admission <:

USD

10

2157636529

Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Philadelphia guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Philadelphia

Spruce Street Harbor Park

Pop-up summer park

"Spruce Street Harbor Park" is a true gift of the city of Philadelphia to its citizens, an ode to summer itself... I'll be there in a hammock!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 27, 2025

Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup

Food trucks

The "Navy Yard Food Truck Lineup" in Philadelphia appears every Tuesday & Thursday, come rain or shine! Great opportunity to try a few of them at once...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 27, 2025

Interstate Draft House

New American/Southern

"Interstate Draft House" is a Philadelphia neighborhood bar. I highly recommend ordering the Fishtown Tea cocktail there, similar to a Long Island Ice Tea.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 27, 2025

Lloyd

Whiskey, cocktails, & fine fare

"Lloyd" Philadelphia is my bar of choice when I need a stiff scotch (80+ types) or a finely crafted cocktail. The style definitely makes me feel at home.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cara

Jo Castellino

Apr 27, 2025

Tuna Bar

Japanese raw bar in Old City

Tuna Bar near the Ben Franklin Bridge is my go-to raw bar in the Old City in Philadelphia for exciting sushi rolls and Japanese-style appetizers!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Holly

Miller

Apr 25, 2025

Long in the Tooth Record Store

High fidelity

"Long in the Tooth Record Store" in Philadelphia is a family-owned business that reminds me of one of my favorite films, High Fidelity...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 18, 2025

Abstract Mural Callowhill

Artist Tim McFarlane

Philadelphia’s Mural Arts has helped create literally thousands of gorgeous murals all over. I'm in love with the new abstract mural by Tim McFarlane...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 18, 2025

Bio Pond U. Penn

Urban oasis in West Philly

The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park in Philly (known by locals as the Bio Pond) was University of Penn’s first botanic garden. Makes for a romantic date...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 17, 2025

Stina Pizzeria

Delightful Mediterranean fare

"Stina Pizzeria" in Philadelphia offers an enticing blend of pizza but also the best spanakopita I've ever tasted and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 16, 2025

The Modern Republic

Midcentury home decor

"The Modern Republic" in Philadelphia is a midcentury modern home decor shop that is colorful, ebullient, high-ceilinged, and tastefully curated!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 16, 2025

Lil Nas X Mural Gayborhood

LGBTQ icon

"Lil Nas X Mural Gayborhood" in Philadelphia is 36-feet-large and portrays the early 21st-century LGBTQ+ icon that's conquered the world...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Bronwyn

Lepore

Apr 16, 2025

Dream Garden

Beautiful free art

When you see it for the first time you are struck by its size.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Jeff

Landis

Apr 11, 2025

Heading to Philadelphia?

156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Philadelphia?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

156 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Philadelphia

Get to know our other Spotters from Philadelphia

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
7307
Filters