Philadelphia: Workshop of the World

Friday, March 6, 2026 | 5pm-7pm EST

Science History Institute

315 Chestnut Street

Philadelphia PA 19106

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

Philadelphia was once known as the “workshop of the world” due to the abundance of factories, products, and infrastructure located within the city. From the 1800s through the 1920s, ships, yarn, paints, and more were manufactured on the banks of the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers.

This display features works originally published by some of the pioneering companies that made Philadelphia an industrial powerhouse. Guests can enjoy handling collection activities in our museum and a curator’s talk, followed by a light reception.

Agenda

4pm–4:45pm
Library tour (Space is limited!)

5pm–7pm
First Friday programming

6pm–7pm
Curator’s talk and light reception on the mezzanine level

7pm
Event concludes

Registration is requested.

Othmer Library Tours

We are now giving public tours of our research library every First Friday! Come upstairs before the event at 4pm to get a behind-the-scenes look at the resources and archives available to all scientifically curious minds. Registration is not required, but space is limited. Learn more here.

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:
Lithograph of an advertisement depicting the Tatham & Brothers factory complex located at 608 Delaware Avenue in Philadelphia, August 1847.
Library of Congress