Chemical Heritage Foundation Adds New Museum to Philadelphia Historic District

If you are looking for a fun (and free!) attraction in the historic section of the city, be sure to check out the recently opened museum at the Chemical Heritage Foundation. Does anything with the word "chemical" in it scare you away as being a bit too brainy? Well don't let it, because CHF has done a marvelous job of creating its permanent exhibition Making Modernity, which includes "scientific instruments and apparatus, rare books, fine art, and the personal papers of prominent scientists. Topics range from alchemy, synthetics, and the chemical-instrument revolution to chemistry education, electrochemistry, chemistry sets, and the science of color." Trust us, it's cool to see the evolution of modern technology as exhibited through the installations of Making Modernity. The gorgeous main hall features an interactive tower screen that will have you learning more about the periodic table than you ever thought you would again after tenth grade chem class.

Beyond the permanent collection in the Masao Horiba Exhibit Hall is the Clifford C. Hach Gallery, a space for temporary exhibits to be shown as a compliment to the main facility. Currently being showcased is Molecules That Matter, an exhibit focusing on 10 organic molecules that profoundly altered our world: aspirin, isooctane, penicillin, polyethylene, nylon, DNA, progestin, DDT, Prozac, and buckminsterfullerene. According to the curator of that exhibit, its purpose is to fuse art and science to tell a story, and it does so by including not only interesting information on each of the featured molecules, but also by displaying an eclectic mixture of cultural artifacts and art that each relate back to the molecules in some way.

The building itself was beautifully remodeled using LEED principles, including new insulation, recycled glass wall tile and bathroom floors constructed of recycled cans. Housed in a Civil War era former bank building, the venue alone is worth checking out. The facility also offers conference space.

At this exhibit, we were told that "Chemistry is the greatest human adventure," which may or may not be true, but should certainly be explored more by all of us. You can start that quest at this lovely little museum.

Chemical Heritage Foundation
315 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Tel: 215-925-2222
Fax: 215-925-1954
Museum hours: Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (closed holidays)
[Note: the hours are currently limited to weekdays, but there is talk of expanding, so be sure to check the Museum Visitor Information page in the future for potential evening or weekend hours.]
Free admission

Image via CHF website