Philly Museum To Close After 2 Centuries Of Displaying The World's Wonders

PHILADELPHIA — The museum at Drexel University's Academy of Natural Sciences will permanently close after nearly two centuries.

The institution will close Sept. 30.

Founded in 1828, the Philadelphia museum pioneered natural-history education by giving a public an eye into the discoveries that the Academy has researched.

But with costs rising and the museum drawing fewer visitors since the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping the museum open was unsustainable, according to a joint announcement from Drexel and the Academy.

"Patterns of visitation and audience behavior changed in lasting ways, while the costs of operating the museum continued to rise," the statement says. "Over time, it became clear that these were not temporary pressures, but fundamental changes in the economics of the Academy’s operational model."

The Academy is the oldest natural-science research institution and museum in the Americas. It has been affiliated with Drexel University since 2011.

Despite the museum's closure, the Academy will remain in operation.

The Academy's collections hold 19 million biological specimens, fossils and archives, with more than 73,000 species in total.

Drexel and Academy leadership have been discussing the Academy's longterm future with the offices of Mayor Cherelle Parker and Gov. Josh Shapiro. The governor has appointed a third-party facilitator.

"Together, we are advancing discussions focused on the Academy’s long-term future and identifying new opportunities to strengthen its scientific mission, ensure access to its world-renowned collections, expand public engagement in the natural sciences, and maintain the Academy’s enduring presence in Philadelphia," the institutions said. "While important work remains, there is a shared commitment and growing momentum toward a durable path forward."