Academy of Natural Sciences
| Type | Natural history museum |
|---|---|
| Address | 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Logan Square |
| Phone | (215) 299-1000 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1812 |
| Founder | Seven naturalists including John Speakman |
| Collection | 18,000,000+ specimens |
| Visitors | 300,000+/year |
| Admission | $22 adults, $18 children |
| Hours | Mon-Fri 10am-4:30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm |
| 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.[1]
History
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 predates:
- The British Museum (Natural History) — opened 1881
- The Smithsonian — founded 1846
- The American Museum of Natural History — founded 1869
Scientific Legacy
The Academy has been home to distinguished naturalists including:
- Thomas Say — "Father of American Entomology"
- John James Audubon — His bird specimens are in the collection
- Edward Drinker Cope — Pioneering paleontologist (see "Bone Wars")
The institution's scientific collections remain active research resources, used by scientists worldwide.
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.
Exhibits
Dinosaur Hall
The most popular destination features:
- Hadrosaurus foulkii*** — The first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton ever discovered (found in New Jersey in 1858)
- T. rex skull*** — Mounted skull of Tyrannosaurus rex
- Deinonychus*** — The "terrible claw" raptor
- Fossil preparation*** — Watch paleontologists work on real fossils
- The Big Dig*** — Hands-on fossil excavation for children
Butterflies!
A live butterfly exhibit featuring:
- Tropical conservatory with free-flying butterflies
- Seasonal availability (check schedule)
- Caterpillar nursery
- Educational programming
Outside In
A nature exploration room for children featuring:
- Live animals (including Touch Tank)
- Nature exploration activities
- Hands-on specimens
- Designed for ages 3-8
Live Animals
Throughout the museum:
- Reptiles and amphibians
- Touch Tank with marine invertebrates
- Various live animal displays
Dioramas
Classic habitat dioramas showing:
- African watering hole
- North American mammals
- Asian animals
- Birds of the world
These traditional displays, dating from the early-to-mid 20th century, showcase taxidermy artistry while raising questions about collecting practices of their era.
Research Collections
The Academy's 18+ million specimens support active scientific research:
- Ornithology — 225,000+ bird specimens
- 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
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon-Fri 10am-4:30pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm |
| Admission | $22 adults, $18 children 3-12 |
| Address | 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway |
| Best for | Families with children, dinosaur enthusiasts |
| Time needed | 2-3 hours |
Getting There
- SEPTA Bus — Routes 32, 33, 38
- SEPTA Regional Rail — Suburban Station (10-minute walk)
- Parking — Street and garage parking on the Parkway
- Phlash — Downtown Loop stops nearby
Frequently Asked Questions
See Also
References
- ↑ "About the Academy". Academy of Natural Sciences. Retrieved December 23, 2025