Due to exhibition construction, the museum is temporarily closed.
Our First Friday event has been rescheduled to March 13.

Discover the power of mighty machines! From big to small, explore how they work and spark kids’ curiosity through hands-on fun.

The Science History Institute joins the Please Touch Museum to explore mighty machines. Stop by our table to learn about the history of microscopy, how microscopes work, and look at various specimens from plants to fibers.


Featured image: Student microscope, ca. 1890

More events

Research fellow Eva Hemmungs Wirtén.
March 11, 2026
Free

Othmer Library Tour

Curious about the other half of the Science History Institute? Step into the Othmer Library of Chemical History!

person doing research in a library
March 13, 2026
Library Programs & Activities

Othmer Library Tour

Curious about the other half of the Science History Institute? Step into the Othmer Library of Chemical History!

illustration of a building
March 13, 2026
First Fridays

Philadelphia: Workshop of the World

Join us for March First Friday as we unveil Philadelphia: Workshop of the World, the latest exhibition from our A Closer Read series.

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