Join us for special gallery tours and hands-on activities as part of Welcome America’s Philly Holiday Experience.

Science is all around us . . . literally! Explore the scientific marvels woven into the fabric of our daily existence, unraveling the story of our clothing’s evolution through time, and envisioning the scientific horizons that lie ahead. This family-friendly program explores the fascinating world of dyes and textiles.

Our fun, interactive activities are designed for science lovers of all ages. Try your hand at our fashion sketching activity and take an up-close look at interesting items in our handling collection relating to the colorful history of natural and synthetic dyes! 

During your visit, you can also check out our themed “drop-in” tours at 11:30am and 2pm. We will feature our “Materials for the Masses” tour, which explores the history of modern materials, with a special focus on game-changing synthetic textiles such as Nylon, Lycra, Spandex, and more. Witness how these fibers transformed our world, from fashion to medicine, spanning wartime to peacetime and beyond.

More events

A stylized depiction of fireworks with yellow and red bursts against a dark background, related to the history of fireworks.
August 15, 2026
Drop-In Tours

Fireworks Tour

Join our museum educators for a drop-in tour of our special exhibition on the fascinating history and science of pyrotechnics.

Thomas Paine and Joseph Priestley are seated at a table with guns, knives, a dish says phospherous, a gun butt says "Royal Electric fluid." A winged puti grins at them squatting in the center of the table. Books on treason, murders, assistination, revolution, etc. surround them. At Priestley's feat are packages of brimstone, axe and pickax. On the walls are scenes of execution and assassinations.
August 15, 2026
For Families

Stories of Science: Revolutionary Ideas with Thomas Paine!

Join us as we welcome Thomas Paine—patriot, pamphleteer, AND SCIENTIST—as presented by reenactor Dean Howarth.

black and white photo of a man using a chromatagraph
August 15, 2026
Drop-In Tours

Forensics Highlights Tour

Fans of murder mysteries and true crime are invited to join our museum educators to explore the science behind deductions.

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