An Alchemical Affair:
A ‘Fire and Gold’ Opening Celebration

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 5pm-8pm EDT

Science History Institute

315 Chestnut Street

Philadelphia PA 19106

title treatment graphic for Fire and Gold exhibition

Before there was chemistry, there was chymistry, and before there was chymistry, there was alchemy!

The Science History Institute is thrilled to celebrate the opening of our new permanent exhibition, Fire and Gold: The Art of Alchemy (1450–1850). You’ll be transported back in time through one of the largest collections of alchemical art in the world.

Get a glimpse into the past, when alchemists sought to uncover nature’s “secrets” by exploring the transformation of matter through experimentation, secrecy, and coded language. Fire and Gold takes visitors on a journey from underground mines into cluttered workshops and fiery laboratories with remarkable paintings and rare books from the 15th through the 19th centuries.

On display in our newly reopened Fisher Gallery, an intimate space overlooking the Institute’s Othmer Library of Chemical History, Fire and Gold is best viewed in small groups. Attendees will be assigned 15-minute viewing time slots upon arrival on a first-come, first-served basis.

This event is currently sold out. You can join the waitlist to be notified when space is available.

Agenda

5pm–8pm
Reception with light refreshments and interactive alchemy-themed activities

5pm–7:45pm
Timed viewing slots every 15 minutes

6pm–6:15pm
Curator’s remarks

You can learn more about alchemy by visiting our Alchemists & Early Scientists page, where you’ll find articles, podcasts, collections, and other content illustrating the long human history of curiosity, experimentation, and discovery about the natural and material world.

Fire and Gold: The Art of Alchemy (1450–1850) has been made possible by the generous support of Barry Arkles and Janine Black.