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

postcard showing a drawing of Rachel Carson's grave with birds and a squirrel
September 13, 2025
For Families

Stories of Science: Back to School

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

September 17, 2025
Programs, Lectures & Talks

Science & Football: How Gatorade Fueled the Dawn of Sports Medicine

Phoebe Miles, cofounder of the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, will tell the story of a drink that changed the world of sports.

worn cover of a recipe book from the 1500s
September 19, 2025
Free

Movies on the Mall: National Treasure 2

Join the Science History Institute at Movies on the Mall and learn about the history of parchment.

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