Science History Institute

Step inside this museum in Old City to catch up on all the lessons you slept through in science class. Formerly called the Chemical Heritage Foundation, the institute was established to preserve and explore the history of science—from chemistry and alchemy to molecular science—and teach the masses about all the ways in which it has influenced humankind over the centuries. The foundation’s exhaustive, world-class collection includes rare books, manuscripts and notes scribled by influential scientists, an archive of modern and historical scientific instruments, and even paintings, sculptures and other works that intersect the worlds of science and art. Besides the permanent exhibition, “Making Modernity,” a cool, open galleria dedicated to chemistry and its influence in our daily lives, there is a schedule of temporary and rotating exhibitions throughout the year.