"Molecules that Matter"

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location: Hach Gallery at the Chemical Heritage Foundation

415 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia

"Molecules That Matter" showcases ten organic molecules that profoundly altered our world in the 20th century: aspirin, isooctane, penicillin, polyethylene, nylon, DNA, progestin, DDT, Prozac, and buckminsterfullerene. Each molecule is associated with one decade of the 20th century. A board of ten chemists from higher education, industry, and CHF selected the molecules, with a final review by two chemistry Nobel laureates.

This exhibit aims to stimulate our awareness of the impact molecular science has on us all, individually and as a society. All around the exhibition, models of the molecules’ chemical structures—2.5 billion times larger, but scientifically accurate—float suspended from walls and ceilings. Each molecule is surrounded with an evocative array of related cultural artifacts and artworks.