Wagner Free Institute of Science
Museums, Historical Sites, and ZoosPennsylvania, United States11-50 Employees
The Wagner Free Institute of Science, based in Philadelphia, is a historic natural history museum, library, and educational institution founded in 1855. It preserves a 19th-century building whose cherrywood cabinets house thousands of natural history specimens and a commitment to free public science education. The institution offers a range of no-cost programs, including evening science courses, public talks by scientists, hands-on lessons for schools and children, Open Houses, and guided tours of its collections. It also serves researchers across the sciences, arts, and humanities who rely on its archives and collections. As a National Landmark, the institute operates as a small-to-mid-sized nonprofit within the museums and historical sites sector. In early 2024, it was recognized by readers as among the ten best museums in the nation, reflecting its ongoing contribution to free science education and public access to historical collections.