Art of Alchemy Guided Visit
Join us for a new kind of museum tour at the Science History Institute!
This unique guided experience will take visitors into the alchemist’s workshop with an in-depth exploration of some of the remarkable paintings featured in the Institute’s new permanent exhibition, Fire and Gold: The Art of Alchemy (1450–1850).
What’s going on in these works of art? We’ll take a really close look at the mysterious scenes that are depicted, and then share our ideas, observations, and interpretations. Conversations will encourage deep engagement with the paintings, as well as with fellow guests and the world around you.
This hour-long experience includes 30 minutes of observation and discussion and 30 minutes of free exploration of the exhibition, which also features rare books on alchemy.
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.
Art of Alchemy Guided Visits take place alternately every other Saturday from 2pm to 3pm and every other Thursday from 1pm to 2pm.
Know Before You Go:
- Admission is free
- Registration is required; walk-ins cannot be accommodated at this time
- Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult
Featured image: The Alchemist’s Experiment Takes Fire, oil on canvas by Hendrik Heerschop, 1687.
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