SOLD OUT! An Alchemical Affair: A ‘Fire and Gold’ Opening Celebration

Before there was chemistry, there was chymistry, and before there was chymistry, there was alchemy! The Science History Institute is thrilled to celebrate the opening of our new permanent exhibition, Fire and Gold: The Art of Alchemy (1450–1850). You’ll be transported back in time through one of the largest collections of alchemical art in the world. Get a glimpse into the past, when alchemists sought to uncover nature’s “secrets” by exploring the transformation of matter through experimentation, secrecy, and coded language. Fire and Gold takes visitors on a journey from underground mines into cluttered workshops and fiery laboratories with remarkable paintings and rare books from the 15th through the 19th centuries. 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. Attendees will be assigned 15-minute viewing time slots upon arrival on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is currently sold out. You can join the waitlist to be notified when space is available. Beginning on October 10, visitors can take an Art of Alchemy Self-Guided Visit every other Saturday from 2pm to 3pm and alternately every other Thursday from 1pm to 2pm. Because of space limitation, Fire and Gold is best viewed in small groups. Registration is strongly recommended to guarantee your spot. You can learn more about alchemy by visiting our Alchemists & Early Scientists page, where you’ll find articles, podcasts, collections, and other content illustrating the long human history of curiosity, experimentation, and discovery about the natural and material world. Fire and Gold: The Art of Alchemy (1450–1850) has been made possible by the generous support of Barry Arkles and Janine Black. Curious about the other half of the Science History Institute? Step into the Othmer Library of Chemical History! It’s Nobel Prize Week! Celebrate with us and see what’s behind one of the most coveted science awards. Drop in for a tour highlighting the central role of women in shaping chemistry and the material sciences throughout history. Copy the above HTML to republish this content. We have formatted the material to follow our guidelines, which include our credit requirements. Please review our full list of guidelines for more information. By republishing this content, you agree to our republication requirements.