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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 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 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 ==
== 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.
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 predates:
The Academy was the first institution of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, predating similar institutions worldwide.
* 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:
* 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"
* '''Thomas Say''' — "Father of American Entomology"
* '''John James Audubon''' — His bird specimens are in the collection
* '''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 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 ===
=== 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.
In 2011, the Academy became part of '''Drexel University''', gaining financial stability while maintaining its independent research mission and public museum.


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


The most popular destination features:
The museum's most popular exhibit features:
 
* '''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 carnivorous dinosaurs
* '''T. rex skull*** — Mounted skull of Tyrannosaurus rex
* '''Hadrosaurus foulkii:''' Cast of first dinosaur discovered in America (found in New Jersey, 1858)
* '''Deinonychus*** — The "terrible claw" raptor
* Interactive displays explaining dinosaur science
* '''Fossil preparation*** — Watch paleontologists work on real fossils
* Fossil preparation lab (visible to visitors)
* '''The Big Dig*** — Hands-on fossil excavation for children


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


A live butterfly exhibit featuring:
A live butterfly exhibit featuring:
 
* Hundreds of free-flying tropical butterflies
* Tropical conservatory with free-flying butterflies
* Walk-through tropical habitat
* Seasonal availability (check schedule)
* Seasonal operation (check website for dates)
* Caterpillar nursery
* Educational programs about butterfly life cycles
* Educational programming


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


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


Home to live animals including:
* Reptiles and amphibians
* Reptiles and amphibians
* Touch Tank with marine invertebrates
* Insects and arachnids
* Various live animal displays
* Small mammals
* Educational animal encounters


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


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


* African watering hole
The Academy maintains over 18 million specimens:
* North American mammals
* '''Birds:''' 200,000+ specimens (one of world's largest)
* 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 ==
* Ornithology
* Ichthyology
* Malacology
* Entomology
* Botany
* Environmental Science


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


* '''Ornithology''' — 225,000+ bird specimens
The Academy continues to publish scientific journals and research papers, contributing to global understanding of natural history and environmental science.
* '''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 (check website for current pricing)
* '''Children (2-12):''' Approximately $18
* '''Seniors/Students:''' Discounted rates
* '''Butterflies! exhibit:''' Additional fee


* '''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 ==
* 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


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


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
Line 146: Line 169:
* [[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 178:
== 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 21:04, 30 December 2025

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 the oldest natural science research institution and museum in the Americas, founded in 1812 and located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in 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.[1]

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.[2]

History

[edit | edit source]

Founding

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

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

Exhibits

[edit | edit source]

Dinosaur Hall

[edit | edit source]

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!

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]
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

[edit | edit source]

Home to live animals including:

  • Reptiles and amphibians
  • Insects and arachnids
  • Small mammals
  • Educational animal encounters

Research

[edit | edit source]

Scientific Collections

[edit | edit source]

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

[edit | edit source]
  • Ornithology
  • Ichthyology
  • Malacology
  • Entomology
  • Botany
  • Environmental Science

Publications

[edit | edit source]

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

Visiting the Academy

[edit | edit source]

Hours

[edit | edit source]
  • Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
  • Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas

Admission

[edit | edit source]
  • Adults: Approximately $22 (check website for current pricing)
  • Children (2-12): Approximately $18
  • Seniors/Students: Discounted rates
  • Butterflies! exhibit: Additional fee

Tips

[edit | edit source]
  • 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

[edit | edit source]
  • 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

[edit | edit source]

See Also

[edit | edit source]

References

[edit | edit source]
  1. ↑ "About the Academy". Academy of Natural Sciences. Retrieved December 30, 2025
  2. ↑ "Academy of Natural Sciences". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025
[edit | edit source]
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