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

Book illustration in color of early lab apparatus
October 16, 2025
Conferences & Symposia

Fall 2025 Meeting of the Society for the History of Alchemy and Chemistry

Invited speakers will present on topics ranging from medieval medicine to modern climate science.

Vintage ad for margarine featuring a knife spreading margarine on one piece of bread out of the loaf. The ad copy talks about the benefits of margarine.
October 18, 2025
Drop-In Tours

School Lunch Tour

This interactive drop-in tour reveals how food scientists, the government, and the public have shaped in-school nutrition.

color illustration of medicinal plants
October 18, 2025
For Families

Stories of Science: Spooky Science

Join us in our museum EVERY SATURDAY for a family-friendly program that highlights strange and surprising stories from the history of science!

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