Masks are preferred for all museum visitors.
For more information, please visit our COVID-19 Information page.
Our museum is free and open to the public. Find the information you need to plan a visit, from hours and viewing our exhibitions, to booking a group or school tour and directions and parking.
Address
315 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Email: [email protected]
Museum Hours
Wednesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm
Admission
Admission to our museum is free.
What Can I See and Do?
During your visit you can view our permanent exhibition, which traces the history of science—from medieval alchemy to modern plastics and everything in between—or play with our interactive touch table to learn about the fascinating science behind everyday objects. You can also view our temporary exhibitions including Downstream and ExhibitLab; explore special topics and themes with our staff; enjoy a guided family activity; or try a self-guided scavenger hunt, puzzle, or activity sheet. On average, visitors spend about an hour in our museum.
Our digital exhibitions and outdoor exhibition (on our façade at 315 Chestnut Street) are always open.
Group and School Visits (In-Person and Virtual)
We offer tours for both students and groups of adults curious about the science in their lives. School and college groups unable to visit in person can arrange virtual classroom visits. Tours are available Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 4:30pm and are subject to availability. Tours run approximately one hour. Learn more and book here. Advance reservations are required.
Directions, Transportation, and Parking
Getting to the Science History Institute is easy by public transportation, taxi, train, or car, and there are several parking garages nearby.
Wheelchair Accessibility
The Institute’s exhibitions are accessible by wheelchair.
Holidays
Our museum team works hard to bring you engaging exhibitions and programs. And sometimes we need a break to recharge! On days that we are closed, we invite you to enjoy a digital exhibition, take a peek at our outdoor exhibition on the façade of our building, or enjoy an article, podcast, or video from Distillations.
The museum is closed on the following holidays:
- New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Memorial Day weekend (Saturday through Monday)
- Juneteenth
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving weekend (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
