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

one-page ad, "Important Facts About pH for Water & Sewage Operators" 1950s
April 11, 2026
For Families

Stories of Science: April Showers

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

Egyptian gallery at the Penn Museum
April 13, 2026
Science on Tap

Transforming the Dead: The Art, Ritual, and Science of Egyptian Embalming

Egyptologist Jen Wegner explores how ancient embalmers worked to transform the dead for life after death.

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April 14, 2026
Museum Programs & Activities

From Nature to Nylons: A Touch-Based History of Textiles

This private learning experience combines a personally guided exploration of select gallery exhibits and a hands-on study of objects.

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