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{{Infobox Museum
{{Infobox Museum
| name = Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
| name = Academy of Natural Sciences
| image =
| image_caption = Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
| type = Natural history museum
| type = Natural history museum
| address = 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
| address = 1900 [https://biography.wiki/b/Benjamin_Franklin Benjamin Franklin] Parkway
| neighborhood = Logan Square
| neighborhood = Logan Square
| coordinates = 39.9575,-75.1710
| phone = (215) 299-1000
| phone = (215) 299-1000
| website = https://ansp.org
| website = https://ansp.org
| established = 1812
| established = 1812
| founder = Seven naturalists including John Speakman
| founder = John Speakman, others
| collection_size = 18,000,000+ specimens
| director = Scott Cooper
| annual_visitors = 300,000+
| collections = 18+ million specimens
| admission = $22 adults, $18 children
| visitors = 300,000+ annually
| hours = Mon-Fri 10am-4:30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
| hours = Daily 10 AM - 4:30 PM
| public_transit = SEPTA Bus 32, 33, 38; Suburban Station
}}
}}


The '''Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University''' is the oldest natural science research institution and museum in the Americas. Located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in [[Logan Square]], the Academy has welcomed visitors since 1812 and houses over 18 million specimens, including a world-class dinosaur collection, live animals, and extensive research holdings.<ref name="ansp-history">{{cite web |url=https://ansp.org/about/ |title=About the Academy |publisher=Academy of Natural Sciences |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>
'''The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University''' is America's oldest natural science research institution and museum, founded in 1812 and sitting right on the [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]] in [[Logan Square, Philadelphia|Logan Square]]. Walk in and you'll find over 18 million specimens housed within its walls. The real draw, though? '''Dinosaur Hall'''. That's where visitors come face to face with a complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and other prehistoric creatures that've captivated audiences 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>
 
Back in 2011, the Academy joined forces with '''Drexel University''', becoming the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University while keeping its historic mission alive. Research, education, public engagement. Those remain the core. The museum still runs serious scientific work in ornithology, malacology, ichthyology, and environmental science, all while serving up one of Philadelphia's best family 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 ==
== History ==
Line 21: Line 25:
=== Founding ===
=== Founding ===


The Academy of Natural Sciences was founded on January 25, 1812, by seven naturalists who met at a coffeehouse to establish a society for scientific research and education. Among the founders was John Speakman, an apothecary whose collection became the core of the museum.
On '''March 21, 1812''', a handful of Philadelphia naturalists gathered with a mission: establish an institution "for the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences, and the advancement of useful learning." The founding members weren't household names, but they mattered. Apothecary John Speakman, dentist Jacob Gilliams, and several others who cared deeply about natural history got the ball rolling.


The Academy predates:
Here's what made this place unique: it was the first institution of its kind in the entire Western Hemisphere, beating out similar organizations that would come later around the world.
* The British Museum (Natural History) — opened 1881
* The Smithsonian — founded 1846
* The American Museum of Natural History — founded 1869


=== Scientific Legacy ===
=== Early Years ===


The Academy has been home to distinguished naturalists including:
In its early decades, the Academy moved fast:
* 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 ===
Some serious naturalists have been part of this place:
* '''Thomas Say''' — "Father of American Entomology"
* '''Thomas Say''' — "Father of American Entomology"
* '''John James Audubon''' — His bird specimens are in the collection
* '''[https://biography.wiki/j/John_James John James] Audubon''' — Donated bird specimens
* '''Edward Drinker Cope''' — Pioneering paleontologist (see "Bone Wars")
* '''Joseph Leidy''' — Pioneer paleontologist
* '''Edward Drinker Cope''' — Dinosaur hunter and "Bone Wars" participant
 
=== Current Building ===


The institution's scientific collections remain active research resources, used by scientists worldwide.
The Academy moved to its present location on the [https://biography.wiki/a/Benjamin_Franklin Benjamin Franklin] Parkway in '''1876'''. That wasn't the end of it, though. Major renovations and expansions happened over the decades. Today the building sits across 19th Street from the [[Franklin Institute]], facing it directly.


=== Drexel Affiliation ===
=== Drexel Affiliation ===


In 2011, the Academy affiliated with Drexel University, becoming the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. The partnership provides research and educational connections while maintaining the Academy's independent mission.
Financial stability was crucial. In 2011, the Academy partnered with '''Drexel University''', which solved that problem without sacrificing what made it special. Its independent research mission and public museum stayed intact.


== Exhibits ==
== Exhibits ==
Line 46: Line 57:
=== Dinosaur Hall ===
=== Dinosaur Hall ===


The most popular destination features:
This is the main event. What you'll see:
 
* '''T. rex:''' Complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton
* '''Hadrosaurus foulkii*** — The first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton ever discovered (found in New Jersey in 1858)
* '''Giganotosaurus:''' One of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs ever discovered
* '''T. rex skull*** — Mounted skull of Tyrannosaurus rex
* '''Hadrosaurus foulkii:''' Cast of the first dinosaur found in America (New Jersey, 1858)
* '''Deinonychus*** — The "terrible claw" raptor
* Interactive displays that explain how we understand dinosaurs
* '''Fossil preparation*** — Watch paleontologists work on real fossils
* Fossil preparation lab where you can watch the work happen
* '''The Big Dig*** — Hands-on fossil excavation for children


=== Butterflies! ===
=== Butterflies! ===


A live butterfly exhibit featuring:
This one's different. You're not looking at specimens behind glass:
 
* Hundreds of tropical butterflies flying around freely
* Tropical conservatory with free-flying butterflies
* Walk-through tropical habitat
* Seasonal availability (check schedule)
* Seasonal operation (check the website for when it's running)
* Caterpillar nursery
* Educational programs covering butterfly life cycles
* Educational programming


=== Outside In ===
=== Outside In ===


A nature exploration room for children featuring:
Kids need to touch things. This space lets them:
* Observe and touch live animals
* Visit nature discovery stations
* Climb a tree house structure
* Dig for fossils in a dedicated pit


* Live animals (including Touch Tank)
=== Permanent Galleries ===
* Nature exploration activities
* Hands-on specimens
* Designed for ages 3-8


=== Live Animals ===
{| 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
|}


Throughout the museum:
=== Live Animal Center ===


They keep living animals on site. You'll find:
* Reptiles and amphibians
* Reptiles and amphibians
* Touch Tank with marine invertebrates
* Insects and arachnids
* Various live animal displays
* Small mammals
* Educational animal encounters throughout the day


=== Dioramas ===
== Research ==


Classic habitat dioramas showing:
=== Scientific Collections ===


* African watering hole
The numbers tell the story. Over 18 million specimens total:
* North American mammals
* '''Birds:''' 200,000+ specimens (one of the world's largest collections)
* Asian animals
* '''Fish:''' 1.2+ million specimens
* Birds of the world
* '''Mollusks:''' 10+ million specimens
* '''Plants:''' 1.4+ million specimens
* '''Insects:''' Millions of specimens


These traditional displays, dating from the early-to-mid 20th century, showcase taxidermy artistry while raising questions about collecting practices of their era.
=== Research Departments ===


== Research Collections ==
The work continues across multiple areas:
* Ornithology
* Ichthyology
* Malacology
* Entomology
* Botany
* Environmental Science


The Academy's 18+ million specimens support active scientific research:
=== Publications ===


* '''Ornithology''' — 225,000+ bird specimens
They don't just collect. The Academy publishes scientific journals and research papers that advance our understanding of natural history and environmental science worldwide.
* '''Entomology''' — 4+ million insect specimens
* '''Malacology''' — 10+ million mollusks
* '''Ichthyology''' — 1.2+ million fish specimens
* '''Botany*** — 1.3+ million plant specimens
* '''Paleontology''' — Vertebrate and invertebrate fossils


== Visiting ==
== Visiting the Academy ==


{| class="wikitable"
=== Hours ===
|-
 
! Detail !! Information
* '''Monday-Friday:''' 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
|-
* '''Saturday-Sunday:''' 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
| '''Hours''' || Mon-Fri 10am-4:30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm
* Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
|-
 
| '''Admission''' || $22 adults, $18 children 3-12
=== Admission ===
|-
| '''Address''' || 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
|-
| '''Best for''' || Families with children, dinosaur enthusiasts
|-
| '''Time needed''' || 2-3 hours
|}


== Getting There ==
* '''Adults:''' Approximately $22 (verify current pricing on their website)
* '''Children (2-12):''' Approximately $18
* '''Seniors/Students:''' Discounted rates available
* '''Butterflies! exhibit:''' Additional fee required


* '''SEPTA Bus''' — Routes 32, 33, 38
=== Tips ===
* '''SEPTA Regional Rail''' — Suburban Station (10-minute walk)
* '''Parking''' — Street and garage parking on the Parkway
* '''Phlash''' — Downtown Loop stops nearby


== Frequently Asked Questions ==
Plan on spending 2-3 hours if you want to see everything. Dinosaur Hall isn't optional. Hit it early in your visit. That Butterflies! exhibit runs seasonally, so check ahead before going out of your way. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends. It works well for families no matter what ages the kids are.


{{FAQ
=== Getting There ===
|q1=Is the Academy of Natural Sciences good for kids?
|a1=Yes, the Academy is one of Philadelphia's best family museums. Dinosaur Hall, the butterfly exhibit, Outside In children's area, and live animal encounters make it especially engaging for children. Most visitors are families with kids.


|q2=What dinosaurs are at the Academy?
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 32, 33, 38, 48
|a2=The Academy's Dinosaur Hall features Hadrosaurus foulkii (the first nearly complete dinosaur ever found), a T. rex skull, Deinonychus, and other specimens. The Big Dig lets children excavate replica fossils, and you can watch real paleontologists preparing specimens.
* '''SEPTA Broad Street Line:''' Race-Vine Station (10-minute walk)
* '''SEPTA Subway-Surface Trolleys:''' 19th Street station
* '''Parking:''' Street parking and nearby garages


|q3=Is the Academy of Natural Sciences part of Drexel?
=== Nearby Attractions ===
|a3=Since 2011, the Academy has been affiliated with Drexel University as the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. The Academy maintains its historic mission while benefiting from the university partnership for research and education.


|q4=How old is the Academy of Natural Sciences?
You're in the right neighborhood. The [[Franklin Institute]] is literally across the street. The [[Rodin Museum]] sits just 5 minutes away on foot. The [[Barnes Foundation]] is another 5-minute walk. [[Logan Square]] is right there too.
|a4=Founded on January 25, 1812, the Academy is the oldest natural science research institution and museum in the Americas—predating the Smithsonian by 34 years. It has been collecting specimens and conducting research for over 200 years.
}}


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
Line 146: Line 163:
* [[Franklin Institute]]
* [[Franklin Institute]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin Parkway]]
* [[Logan Square]]
* [[Logan Square, Philadelphia]]
* [[Drexel University]]
* [[Science in Philadelphia]]
* [[Natural History in Philadelphia]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 154: Line 172:
== External Links ==
== External Links ==


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


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Academy of Natural Sciences - America's Oldest Natural History Museum in Philadelphia
|title=Academy of Natural Sciences Philadelphia - Dinosaurs and Natural History
|description=The Academy of Natural Sciences, America's oldest natural history museum, features dinosaurs, live butterflies, and 18+ million specimens. Located on Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
|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, natural history museum Philadelphia, dinosaurs Philadelphia, butterflies, Drexel University, 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
|type=Article
}}
}}


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

Latest revision as of 15:48, 23 April 2026

Academy of Natural Sciences



TypeNatural history museum
Address1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodLogan Square
Phone(215) 299-1000
WebsiteOfficial site
Established1812
FounderJohn Speakman, others
DirectorScott Cooper
HoursDaily 10 AM - 4:30 PM
Academy of Natural Sciences(215) 299-10001900 Benjamin Franklin ParkwayPhiladelphiaPAUS

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is America's oldest natural science research institution and museum, founded in 1812 and sitting right on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Logan Square. Walk in and you'll find over 18 million specimens housed within its walls. The real draw, though? Dinosaur Hall. That's where visitors come face to face with a complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and other prehistoric creatures that've captivated audiences for generations.[1]

Back in 2011, the Academy joined forces with Drexel University, becoming the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University while keeping its historic mission alive. Research, education, public engagement. Those remain the core. The museum still runs serious scientific work in ornithology, malacology, ichthyology, and environmental science, all while serving up one of Philadelphia's best family museum experiences.[2]

History

Founding

On March 21, 1812, a handful of Philadelphia naturalists gathered with a mission: establish an institution "for the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences, and the advancement of useful learning." The founding members weren't household names, but they mattered. Apothecary John Speakman, dentist Jacob Gilliams, and several others who cared deeply about natural history got the ball rolling.

Here's what made this place unique: it was the first institution of its kind in the entire Western Hemisphere, beating out similar organizations that would come later around the world.

Early Years

In its early decades, the Academy moved fast:

  • 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

Some serious naturalists have been part of this place:

  • 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 present location on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in 1876. That wasn't the end of it, though. Major renovations and expansions happened over the decades. Today the building sits across 19th Street from the Franklin Institute, facing it directly.

Drexel Affiliation

Financial stability was crucial. In 2011, the Academy partnered with Drexel University, which solved that problem without sacrificing what made it special. Its independent research mission and public museum stayed intact.

Exhibits

Dinosaur Hall

This is the main event. What you'll see:

  • T. rex: Complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton
  • Giganotosaurus: One of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs ever discovered
  • Hadrosaurus foulkii: Cast of the first dinosaur found in America (New Jersey, 1858)
  • Interactive displays that explain how we understand dinosaurs
  • Fossil preparation lab where you can watch the work happen

Butterflies!

This one's different. You're not looking at specimens behind glass:

  • Hundreds of tropical butterflies flying around freely
  • Walk-through tropical habitat
  • Seasonal operation (check the website for when it's running)
  • Educational programs covering butterfly life cycles

Outside In

Kids need to touch things. This space lets them:

  • Observe and touch live animals
  • Visit nature discovery stations
  • Climb a tree house structure
  • Dig for fossils in a dedicated pit

Permanent Galleries

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

They keep living animals on site. You'll find:

  • Reptiles and amphibians
  • Insects and arachnids
  • Small mammals
  • Educational animal encounters throughout the day

Research

Scientific Collections

The numbers tell the story. Over 18 million specimens total:

  • Birds: 200,000+ specimens (one of the world's largest collections)
  • Fish: 1.2+ million specimens
  • Mollusks: 10+ million specimens
  • Plants: 1.4+ million specimens
  • Insects: Millions of specimens

Research Departments

The work continues across multiple areas:

  • Ornithology
  • Ichthyology
  • Malacology
  • Entomology
  • Botany
  • Environmental Science

Publications

They don't just collect. The Academy publishes scientific journals and research papers that advance our understanding of natural history and environmental science worldwide.

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 (verify current pricing on their website)
  • Children (2-12): Approximately $18
  • Seniors/Students: Discounted rates available
  • Butterflies! exhibit: Additional fee required

Tips

Plan on spending 2-3 hours if you want to see everything. Dinosaur Hall isn't optional. Hit it early in your visit. That Butterflies! exhibit runs seasonally, so check ahead before going out of your way. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekends. It works well for families no matter what ages the kids are.

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

You're in the right neighborhood. The Franklin Institute is literally across the street. The Rodin Museum sits just 5 minutes away on foot. The Barnes Foundation is another 5-minute walk. Logan Square is right there too.

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "About the Academy". Academy of Natural Sciences. Retrieved December 30, 2025
  2. ↑ "Academy of Natural Sciences". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025

External Links

Retrieved from "https://philadelphia.wiki/index.php?title=Academy_of_Natural_Sciences&oldid=4192"