All new and returning Philadelphia-area college students are invited to visit the Science History Institute’s museum during CollegeFest, Campus Philly’s annual city-wide, weekend-long, “Welcome to Philadelphia!” celebration featuring free experiences, fun activities, contests, entertainment, giveaways, and more.

The Institute joins more than 25 of the City of Brotherly Love’s most iconic cultural organizations and attractions offering free admission exclusively to college students. Your official ticket also includes free SEPTA rides right to our front door in Old City.

Students can explore the intersections of environmentalism, education, and fun with our latest outdoor exhibition Playing Dirty, hear the voices and learn the stories of scientists and engineers who immigrated to the United States in the 20th century with our Migrating Science ExhibitLab, and discover the connections between rare earth elements and glass art with Enabling Transparency. And don’t miss our permanent exhibition, which will take you on a journey through more than five centuries of scientific inquiry into the material world.

CollegeFest is organized by Campus Philly. Registration is required.

More events

An illustration of a firework or explosive device emitting sparks and flames in different directions.
July 11, 2026
Free

Ben Franklin Bridge 100th Anniversary Celebration

Institute staff will be on hand to celebrate 100 years of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge with fun, fireworks-themed activities.

illustration of a knight on horseback
July 11, 2026
For Families

Stories of Science: Revolutionary Science

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

1931 movie still of Dracula
July 13, 2026
Science on Tap

Bram Stoker and the American Vampire

The Mütter Museum’s Jo D’Avella will discuss the American vampire: exploring Bram Stoker‘s Dracula, medical anxieties, body decomposition, and the American Vampire Panic.

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