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 | John Speakman, others |
| Director | Scott Cooper |
| 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. 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]- Franklin Institute (across the street)
- Rodin Museum (5-minute walk)
- Barnes Foundation (5-minute walk)
- Logan Square (adjacent)
See Also
[edit | edit source]- Franklin Institute
- Benjamin Franklin Parkway
- Logan Square, Philadelphia
- Science in Philadelphia
- Natural History in Philadelphia
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "About the Academy". Academy of Natural Sciences. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Academy of Natural Sciences". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025