Editing Academy of Natural Sciences

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Academy of Natural Sciences
| image =
| image_caption = Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
| type = Natural history museum
| address = 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
| neighborhood = Logan Square
| coordinates = 39.9575,-75.1710
| phone = (215) 299-1000
| website = https://ansp.org
| established = 1812
| founder = John Speakman, others
| director = Scott Cooper
| collections = 18+ million specimens
| visitors = 300,000+ annually
| hours = Daily 10 AM - 4:30 PM
}}

'''The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University''' is the oldest natural science research institution and museum in the Americas, founded in 1812 and located on the [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]] in [[Logan Square, Philadelphia|Logan Square]]. The museum houses over 18 million specimens and is best known for '''Dinosaur Hall''', featuring a complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and other prehistoric creatures that have captivated visitors for generations.<ref name="ansp">{{cite web |url=https://ansp.org/about/ |title=About the Academy |publisher=Academy of Natural Sciences |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

In 2011, the Academy affiliated with '''Drexel University''', becoming the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University while maintaining its historic mission of research, education, and public engagement. The museum continues to conduct important scientific research in fields including ornithology, malacology, ichthyology, and environmental science, while also offering one of Philadelphia's most popular family-friendly museum experiences.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/the-academy-of-natural-sciences-of-drexel-university/ |title=Academy of Natural Sciences |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Founding ===

The Academy of Natural Sciences was founded on '''March 21, 1812''' by a small group of Philadelphia naturalists who met to establish an institution for "the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences, and the advancement of useful learning." Founding members included apothecary John Speakman, dentist Jacob Gilliams, and several others passionate about natural history.

The Academy was the first institution of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, predating similar institutions worldwide.

=== Early Years ===

In its early decades, the Academy:
* Built collections through expeditions and donations
* Published the ''Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences'' (first American natural history journal)
* Hosted lectures by leading scientists
* Developed important research programs

=== Notable Scientists ===

The Academy has been associated with many important naturalists:
* '''Thomas Say''' — "Father of American Entomology"
* '''John James Audubon''' — Donated bird specimens
* '''Joseph Leidy''' — Pioneer paleontologist
* '''Edward Drinker Cope''' — Dinosaur hunter and "Bone Wars" participant

=== Current Building ===

The Academy moved to its current building on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in '''1876''', with major renovations and expansions over the years. The building faces the [[Franklin Institute]] across 19th Street.

=== Drexel Affiliation ===

In 2011, the Academy became part of '''Drexel University''', gaining financial stability while maintaining its independent research mission and public museum.

== Exhibits ==

=== Dinosaur Hall ===

The museum's most popular exhibit features:
* '''T. rex:''' Complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton
* '''Giganotosaurus:''' One of the largest carnivorous dinosaurs
* '''Hadrosaurus foulkii:''' Cast of first dinosaur discovered in America (found in New Jersey, 1858)
* Interactive displays explaining dinosaur science
* Fossil preparation lab (visible to visitors)

=== Butterflies! ===

A live butterfly exhibit featuring:
* Hundreds of free-flying tropical butterflies
* Walk-through tropical habitat
* Seasonal operation (check website for dates)
* Educational programs about butterfly life cycles

=== Outside In ===

Interactive nature play space for young children:
* Live animals to observe and touch
* Nature discovery stations
* Tree house climbing structure
* Fossil dig pit

=== Permanent Galleries ===

{| class="wikitable"
! Gallery !! Focus
|-
| '''Dinosaur Hall''' || Prehistoric life and paleontology
|-
| '''North American Hall''' || Wildlife dioramas
|-
| '''African Hall''' || African ecosystem dioramas
|-
| '''Egyptian Mummies''' || Ancient Egyptian artifacts
|-
| '''Gem and Mineral Hall''' || Geological specimens
|}

=== Live Animal Center ===

Home to live animals including:
* Reptiles and amphibians
* Insects and arachnids
* Small mammals
* Educational animal encounters

== Research ==

=== Scientific Collections ===

The Academy maintains over 18 million specimens:
* '''Birds:''' 200,000+ specimens (one of world's largest)
* '''Fish:''' 1.2+ million specimens
* '''Mollusks:''' 10+ million specimens
* '''Plants:''' 1.4+ million specimens
* '''Insects:''' Millions of specimens

=== Research Departments ===

* Ornithology
* Ichthyology
* Malacology
* Entomology
* Botany
* Environmental Science

=== Publications ===

The Academy continues to publish scientific journals and research papers, contributing to global understanding of natural history and environmental science.

== Visiting the Academy ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Monday-Friday:''' 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
* '''Saturday-Sunday:''' 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

=== Admission ===

* '''Adults:''' Approximately $22 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Children (2-12):''' Approximately $18
* '''Seniors/Students:''' Discounted rates
* '''Butterflies! exhibit:''' Additional fee

=== Tips ===

* Allow 2-3 hours for a full visit
* Dinosaur Hall is a must-see
* Check Butterflies! schedule (seasonal)
* Weekday mornings are less crowded
* Great for families with children of all ages

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 32, 33, 38, 48
* '''SEPTA Broad Street Line:''' Race-Vine Station (10-minute walk)
* '''SEPTA Subway-Surface Trolleys:''' 19th Street station
* '''Parking:''' Street parking and nearby garages

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[Franklin Institute]] (across the street)
* [[Rodin Museum]] (5-minute walk)
* [[Barnes Foundation]] (5-minute walk)
* [[Logan Square]] (adjacent)

== See Also ==

* [[Franklin Institute]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[Logan Square, Philadelphia]]
* [[Science in Philadelphia]]
* [[Natural History in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://ansp.org Academy of Natural Sciences Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/the-academy-of-natural-sciences-of-drexel-university/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Academy of Natural Sciences Philadelphia - Dinosaurs and Natural History
|description=Visit the Academy of Natural Sciences, America's oldest natural history museum. See T. rex in Dinosaur Hall, explore live butterfly exhibits, and discover 18 million specimens on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
|keywords=Academy of Natural Sciences, dinosaur museum Philadelphia, T. rex Philadelphia, natural history museum, Drexel University, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, kids museum Philadelphia, butterflies exhibit
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Logan Square]]
[[Category:Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
[[Category:Science]]
[[Category:Family Attractions]]