This First Friday, science fiction meets March Madness: step into a world filled with twisted experiments, humorous discoveries, and mind-bending fun!

Join us for an unforgettable evening that explores the bizarre side of science. Our educators will unravel the connections between static electricity generators, Mary Shelley, peptide synthesizers, Kurt Vonnegut’s player pianos, and the mysterious world of Ada Lovelace and computers!

Witness strange sights and extraordinary discoveries, try Mad Science MadLibs, identify mysterious instruments that will spark your imagination, don white lab coats, grab quirky props, goggles, wigs, and more! You’ll capture the essence of the madness with our sci-fi-inspired photo booth. What strange concoctions will you create? 

Throughout the night, you’ll also get a chance to vote for your favorite fictional mad scientists in each round of our Mad Science Bracket. It’ll be an evening of laughter, awe, thrills, chills, and scientific mayhem!

About First Fridays

Spark your curiosity while exploring the exhibits after hours! First Fridays bring together a myriad of activities covering everyday science, historical oddities, and everything in between. Grab your friends, and kick off an evening of discovery, surprise, and a little nerdy fun.

First Fridays at the Institute are always free and open to the public. Attendees will receive a 10% discount to National Mechanics restaurant.


Featured image: Still from Metropolis, 1927, directed by Fritz Lang.

More events

Book cover of The Maternal Imprint showing a pattern of colorful thumbprints
March 19, 2026
Programs, Lectures & Talks

The Maternal Imprint

This Women’s History Month, join us for a thought-provoking presentation by leading gender and science scholar Sarah S. Richardson.

dark blue graphic showing 52 Weeks of Firsts along with various mementos
March 21, 2026
For Families

Stories of Science: 52 Weeks of Firsts

Join us as we celebrate the invention of the first paper match folder in 1892—the precursor to the modern matchbook—as part of the Philadelphia Historic District’s 52 Weeks of Firsts.

Women in lab coat using a spectrophotometer
March 21, 2026
Drop-In Tours

Women in Chemistry Tour

Drop in for a tour highlighting the central role of women in shaping chemistry and the material sciences throughout history.

    Republish

    Copy the above HTML to republish this content. We have formatted the material to follow our guidelines, which include our credit requirements. Please review our full list of guidelines for more information. By republishing this content, you agree to our republication requirements.