Information
Landmark: Academy of Natural SciencesCity: Philadelphia
Country: USA Pennsylvania
Continent: North America
Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, USA Pennsylvania, North America
Overview
Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia ranks among the oldest natural science institutions in the Americas, its stone façade weathered by more than two centuries of wind and rain.It’s both a top-tier museum and a busy research hub, pushing the boundaries of science while inviting visitors to marvel at the natural world-like the shimmer of a butterfly’s wings under glass.At the Academy, centuries-old artifacts sit alongside breakthrough research and hands-on exhibits, creating a rich, all-in-one journey through natural history and science.Founded in 1812, the Academy stands as the oldest natural science research institution in the Western Hemisphere, its early halls once echoing with the scratch of quills on paper.It set out to expand and share knowledge of the natural sciences, doing so through hands-on research and lively public education-like a lecture hall filled with the scent of chalk dust and curiosity.In 2011, the Academy joined forces with Drexel University, boosting its research, expanding educational resources, and enhancing outreach-like opening more doors for hands‑on science programs.The Academy is well known for groundbreaking work in biodiversity, environmental science, paleontology, and ornithology-like uncovering new bird species with feathers the color of deep moss.Its scientists travel the globe, studying coral reefs, rainforests, and everything in between, helping protect wildlife and deepen our understanding of how ecosystems work.Set along Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the museum is easy to reach and striking to see, with limestone arches flowing into sleek glass wings that bring its historic charm and modern spaces together for visitors and collections alike.Dinosaur Hall, one of the Academy’s best-known attractions, showcases over 30 dinosaur species alongside other Mesozoic reptiles, from towering skeletons to the sharp-toothed grin of a T. rex.You’ll see a towering Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, a detailed cast of Hadrosaurus foulkii-the first dinosaur ever mounted in the U. S.-and hands‑on displays that bring dinosaur biology and paleontology to life.The museum showcases more than 35 lifelike dioramas, each capturing the sights and textures of ecosystems and wildlife from North America, Africa, and Asia.These dioramas feature towering mammals, bright-feathered birds, and other creatures set in lifelike scenes, blending taxidermy with hand-painted backdrops to draw you into their world.Outside In Nature Center is an interactive spot where kids can touch smooth stones, peek into terrariums, and explore alongside their families.You can stroke a smooth, cool reptile, step inside a massive hollow tree, and peer through a microscope to study delicate fossils and tiny insects.The Big Dig invites visitors of all ages to roll up their sleeves and feel the thrill of paleontology, sifting through gritty sand to uncover replica fossils.Step into this hands-on space, where you’ll learn how digs happen and uncover the science that reveals fossils buried deep in the earth.Marveling at Mollusks: Step inside and explore the astonishing variety of mollusks, from the smooth swirl of a conch shell to the graceful reach of an octopus, with nearly 100 specimens on display.It highlights how vital they are to the ecosystem and showcases the clever adaptations they’ve developed over time, like shells that blend perfectly with river stones.Alongside fossils and preserved specimens, the Academy features live animal exhibits-snakes coiling lazily under warm lamps, frogs blinking in shaded tanks, insects skittering in glass displays-all designed to spark curiosity and encourage biodiversity and conservation.At the Academy, you can drop in for lively lectures, hands-on workshops, or family-friendly events that dive into science-from the rustle of leaves in an ecology walk to big-picture talks on evolution and caring for our planet.Summer Science Camp invites young explorers to dive into the world of environmental science and natural history, leading them through muddy trails, riverbank experiments, and other hands-on adventures that make learning feel like discovery.Sensory-Friendly Mornings offer a gentle start to the day, with dimmed lights and hushed galleries that create a calmer museum visit for those with sensory sensitivities, opening the Academy’s doors to every family.Dinos After Dark offers dinosaur-themed games, hands-on activities, and lively exhibits under the glow of evening lights-often for whatever price you can spare-turning science into something fun and easy to enjoy.At the Academy, scientists dig deep into biodiversity, map out the tangled branches of systematics, and track every shift in our changing environment.Their research guides conservation projects around the world and deepens scientists’ grasp of how ecosystems function, from the rustle of rainforest leaves to the shifting tide along a coral reef.The collections, holding millions of specimens-from pressed leaves to tiny insect wings-provide vital references for taxonomy, evolutionary biology, and tracking changes in the environment.We’re open for visitors Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; the doors stay shut on major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.Adults 13 and up pay $24, or $22 if you buy online; kids 2–12 are $20, $18 online; seniors, military, and students are $21, $19 online; children under 2 get in free, as do members and Drexel students; after 3 p.m. on weekdays, tickets drop to $10.You’ll find it at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, right in the heart of the city and just a short walk from a busy bus stop.Visitors can park at the Logan Square Garage just a short walk from the museum, and museum guests get a discount on rates.The Academy is committed to making its spaces accessible, offering visitors with disabilities practical accommodations-like ramps at the main entrance and assistive listening devices in the theater.We offer sensory-friendly programs and easy wheelchair access, so everyone can join in comfortably.The Academy of Natural Sciences packs history, hands-on exhibits, and groundbreaking research into one rich experience, from century-old fossils to live lab demonstrations.Visitors are drawn in to explore the natural world, from towering dinosaurs and gleaming mollusk shells to live animals and vibrant ecosystems, through lively programs and hands-on discovery.As one of Philadelphia’s top centers for research and public science education, it’s become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural and scientific life-drawing visitors to its bright halls and buzzing exhibits.
