Explore the History and Science of Minerals with Institute’s New ‘Earthly Matters’ Exhibition Opening October 8

The Science History Institute presents Earthly Matters, a new permanent exhibition that explores the history and science behind a collection of more than 20 recently donated minerals. Elements, crystals, gemstones, and even a meteorite will be on display in seven state-of-the-art cases that ask such questions as is it a metal, what color is it, and does it glow.

The public is invited to A Marvelous Night of Minerals: An Earthly Matters Opening Celebration taking place on October 8, 2025, from 5pm to 8pm at 315 Chestnut Street in Old City Philadelphia. This multifaceted event includes a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of renovations to our lobby—where our new “hall of minerals” is installed—and the opening of our brand-new gift shop.

Guests will also get a behind-the-scenes look at Earthly Matters with curator Michelle DiMeo and exhibition developer Jesse Smith, touch mineral specimens, see rare books from our library collection, recreate alchemical recipes with our fellows, enjoy light bites, and try a signature rock candy cocktail. This event is free, but registration is required.

Remarks begin at 6:15pm and the ribbon cutting will take place at 6:45pm.

“We look forward to surprising our visitors with a mineral display that is intentionally unlike what one might expect to see at a natural history museum,” said DiMeo, the Institute’s vice president of collections and programs and the Arnold Thackray Director of the Othmer Library.

“We hope visitors will leave with a sense of curiosity for the material world around them,” added Smith, the Institute’s director of curatorial affairs and digital content.

Renovation Project

The $3.3 million renovation project is the first major redesign of the Institute’s main building since opening our museum and conference center in 2008. Designed by Atkin Olshin Shade Architects, this project is part of a plan to expand access to the Institute and increase offerings.

In addition to updating the lobby to be more welcoming and engaging for visitors, the renovation also included the opening of a new gift shop. Guests can now take a piece of science history home with them, including Institute-branded merchandise and such items as postcards, notecards, and magnets that feature compelling imagery from our vast digital collections. Our gift shop also features products like science-themed jewelry and custom tea towels created by Pennsylvania-based artists.

Project Team and Partners

Thank you to all of our collaborators for their continued work on this project, including Science History Institute staff, AOS Architects, Dan Bosin Associates, INTECH Construction, Case[werks], Flux Art Conservation, Gander & White, Keith Ragone Studios, Ben Neiditz, Will Bucher, Gustave Lester, Berry & Homer, Vinylbomb, and Workspace LLC.

Support

Earthly Matters is presented in loving memory of Margaret & Moshe Alafi through the generosity of Alafi Capital and Bering Capital.

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Featured image: Afghanite specimen featured in Earthly Matters, shown under ultraviolet light.