Rosalind Franklin in Tuscany, Italy, 1950.Rosalind Franklin in Tuscany, Italy, 1950.
COLLECTIONS BLOG

The Day the Helix Was Pronounced Dead

Rosalind Franklin announces a funeral for a hypothesis.

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A colorful firework display with a person using a stick to ignite them, illustrating the history of fireworks.A colorful firework display with a person using a stick to ignite them, illustrating the history of fireworks.
EVENTS

Philly Fair 250

Join us in Fairmount Park for Wawa Welcome America’s multiday extravaganza featuring a pop-up museum and historic fireworks.

Saturday, June 20 | 2-10pm
Sunday, June 21 | 2-9pm

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man touching a museum object with both handsman touching a museum object with both hands
NEWS

Institute Launches New Museum Tours, Including Touch-Based Program for the Visually Impaired

Unique learning experiences for students, adult clubs, and special groups highlight the science behind minerals, textiles, and fireworks.

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illustration of colorful flowersillustration of colorful flowers
EXHIBITIONS

First-Class Flora: A Stamp Collection of Medicinal Plants

This outdoor exhibition presents a unique historical intersection between professional science and a personal hobby.

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Flash! Bang! Boom!
A History of Fireworks

Part of America’s 250th birthday celebration, this sparkling new exhibition explores the origins of and the science behind fireworks. 

On view through July 31, 2027

Collect. Preserve. Interpret. Share.

Through research, storytelling, public programming, and educational outreach, we reveal how science is embedded in our daily lives.

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