December First Saturday Open House

DECEMBER FIRST SATURDAY OPEN HOUSE

Shelter from the cold this December during the Wagner’s First Saturday Open House! Happening on Saturday, December 7th from 12pm – 4pm, visitors will dig up and identify different types of shark teeth, craft paper snowflakes, and learn about the history of the Wagner. Covering the life of William Wagner, founding of the Institute, and the architecture of our building, the history of the Wagner talk will be given at 1pm and again at 3pm.

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. You can also pick up pencils and paper to draw from the specimens on display!

Things to Know Before Your Visit

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

• Masks are recommended 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 and 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.

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.