The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
The nation's first independent biomedical research institution was founded in 1892 by Isaac Jones Wistar. It houses the anatomical collection of the Wistar and Horner Museum. Many critical vaccines and the albino Wistar rats used in medical research were developed here.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Founded in 1892 by Isaac Jones Wistar, this Philadelphia institution became the nation's first independent center devoted to biomedical research, growing out of an older anatomical museum. Within its walls scientists developed important vaccines and bred the albino 'Wistar rat,' a standardized laboratory animal that spread to research labs around the world. It marked a turning point in American science, when discovery moved from lecture halls into dedicated research institutions.
Why it matters
The Wistar Institute helped establish the United States as a leader in medical research, shaping how vaccines and modern biology have been studied ever since.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer2.3 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia2.3 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall2.4 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center2.4 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall2.4 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center2.4 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- American Bandstand1.1 mi away
- Rocky Steps1.3 mi away
- The Universal Sphere1.4 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo1.4 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck1.4 mi away
- Pennsylvania Railroad, Connecting Railway Bridge1.7 mi away
Food & drink
- Munchie’s Cafe2.2 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory2.2 mi away
- Burger King2.2 mi away
- Fat Salmon2.2 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Garden2.2 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily2.2 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City1.7 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City1.7 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express1.7 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City1.8 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites1.8 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel1.8 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
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Related people
- · Isaac Jones Wistar
Themes & tags
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