Join our museum’s Gallery Guides for a “drop-in” tour highlighting the remarkable scientific properties of natural dyes and textiles, the technology behind synthetic clothing, and the impact of fashion on human health and the environment. 

Have you ever thought about the science behind the contents of your closet? The technology that produces our modern clothing is the result of an unlikely collaboration between prehistoric humans, an 18-year-old chemist in Victorian London, and a Harvard professor employed by DuPont on the eve of World War II.  

Our Dyes & Textiles Tour bridges content from our new BOLD exhibition and our permanent exhibition, offering a broad picture of the scientific developments that shifted clothing production from the home to the factory to the laboratory. 


Drop-in tours are free and no reservations are necessary.

More events

title treatment graphic for Fire and Gold exhibition
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SOLD OUT! An Alchemical Affair: A ‘Fire and Gold’ Opening Celebration

We are thrilled to unveil our newest permanent exhibition, Fire and Gold: The Art of Alchemy (1450–1850).

monochrome blue illustration of house exteriors with the caption "Be a Better Chooser"
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Stuff from Your House Highlights Tour

Join our museum educators as we explore the scientific principles and history behind everyday household objects.

postage stamp depicting a drawing of Albert Einstein, along with a Nobel Prize medal and an atom.
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For Families

Stories of Science: Craft-tober

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

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