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

Since its founding in 1988, the Othmer Library at the Science History Institute has been a haven for research in the history of science—but there’s more to the story. Explore the reading room on a guided tour, learn how our collection has grown, and discover why we have one of the most comprehensive rare book collections on chemistry and its alchemical roots.


Othmer Library Tours are available every other Wednesday and on the first Friday of most months.

Registration is required for Wednesday tours; First Friday tours are drop-in. Guests under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

More events

View inside the Jacobs Reading Room
June 3, 2026
Free

Othmer Library Tour

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

overhead view of museum displays
June 4, 2026
Museum Programs & Activities

From Our Forefathers: Climate Crisis in Chemistry History

We’ve teamed up with artist Aislinn Pentecost-Farren and ArtPhilly’s What Now: 2026 festival to look at our museum through a new lens.

black and white photo of a boy with baseball bat and ball
June 5, 2026
First Fridays

First Friday: Game On! The Science of Sports

Philly is a sports city, so we’re looking at the science behind your favorite games!

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