Exhibitions

Bugs and Bakelite buttons. Lab notes and lifesaving letters. Vaccines and vats of bright, colorful dyes. Our exhibitions explore the diverse and surprising histories behind the science that shapes our world.

Featured

The Story of Ramie: From Seed to Finished Garment

Explore the fascinating history of this natural textile through stunningly detailed watercolors illustrating each step in the ramie process.

The Science History Institute Museum is free and open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, 10am to 5pm. You can also explore our digital exhibitions on Google Arts & Culture or revisit your favorite shows from the past.

A Remote Idea

Healing at a distance: Our latest rare book exhibition explores the debate over the effectiveness of the weapon salve.

Poisons and Panaceas: Inside the 19th-Century Medicine Cabinet

Our current ExhibitLab uncovers the fine line between deadly and lifesaving in the world of modern medicine.

woman and child in front of a museum exhibit

Permanent Exhibition

Explore more than 500 years of scientific inquiry into the material world.

Enabling Transparency

Glass artist Anna Mlasowsky examines the history of the rare earth elements and their socio-ecological impact on local communities and the environment.

The Whole of Nature and the Mirror of Art

View photo reproductions of engravings from 17th-century alchemical books.