Art of Alchemy Self-Guided Visit

Step into the “age of alchemy” and explore remarkable paintings and rare books in the Science History Institute’s new permanent exhibition, Fire and Gold: The Art of Alchemy (1450–1850).

This self-guided visit will take you on a journey from underground mines into the alchemist’s laboratory, where they experimented with metals and minerals, attempted to transform matter, and worked under secrecy as they sought to uncover nature’s secrets.

On display in our newly reopened Fisher Gallery, an intimate space overlooking the Institute’s Othmer Library of Chemical History, Fire and Gold is best viewed in small groups.

Self-guided alchemy visits take place alternately every other Saturday from 2pm to 3pm and every other Thursday from 1pm to 2pm.