PHILADELPHIA, July 25, 2019

Wizards, dinosaurs, death and taxidermy, an environmental documentary — fall at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University offers unique experiences and behind-the-scenes adventures for adults and children.

The popular special exhibit Dinosaurs Around the World is on view through the year, and the monthly Dinos After Dark program continues with late hours, pay-as-you-wish admission and a pop-up beer garden inside Dinosaur Hall. Death and Taxidermy is the theme of the season’s Door 19 behind-the-scenes event for adults in October, and families won’t want to miss the magical world of Wild Wizarding Weekend over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

On Sept. 25, timed to coincide with the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York, the Academy will screen the revealing environmental documentary “Anthropocene: The Human Epoch” about humanity’s effect on the planet.

All this and more are coming up this fall. For updates, additions and to purchase discounted tickets online, visit ansp.org.

Special Exhibit

Dinosaurs Around the World

Through Monday, January 20, 2020

Embark on a globetrotting expedition around Pangea, where dinosaurs reign throughout the land. Dinosaurs Around the World introduces visitors to a dozen moving, roaring dinosaurs on a voyage from the ferocious plains of Africa and the tropical beaches of Antarctica, to the inland seas of North America and the polar darkness of Australia. Find out how continental drift, sea level fluctuations and volcanic activity allowed dinosaurs to disperse to all corners of the globe. Learn about paleontological research, touch fossil casts, discover and name your own dinosaur, investigate what dinosaurs may have looked like in life and find modern-day dinosaurs right in your own backyard.

“Anthropocene: The Human Epoch” Documentary Screening

Wednesday, September 25, Movie starts at 7 p.m.

Timed to coincide with the United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York, the Academy of Natural Sciences joins institutions around the nation in screening “Anthropocene: The Human Epoch.” This new environmental documentary is a stunning sensory experience and cinematic meditation on humanity's massive reengineering of the planet. Years in the making, the film follows the research of an international body of scientists, the Anthropocene Working Group, argues that as a result of profound and lasting human changes to the Earth, the Holocene Epoch gave way in the mid-20^th century to what they call the Anthropocene Epoch. At the intersection of art and science, “Anthropocene” makes the case that we are witnessing a critical moment in geological history and brings a provocative and unforgettable experience of our species' breadth and impact. Visit ansp.org for ticket information. Presented with the Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival.

Door 19: Death and Taxidermy

Thursday, October 24, 6–9 p.m.

Nothing is certain but death and tax…idermy! The Academy of Natural Sciences is no stranger to the most bizarre science that life (and death) have to offer. At Door 19: Death and Taxidermy, explore the spookiest specimens and weirdest things in jars behind the scenes of the popular museum. Meet a couture taxidermist and a ghost-hunting crew. Discover decomposition, practice preservation, and geek out over gravestones. Come in costume or come as you are for a scarily fun evening featuring frightfully good food and an open bar. Curated for the curious, Door 19 is quirky science meets themed soiree, set against a backdrop of behind-the-scenes tours, live music, great food, potent libations, and dinosaurs. For details and to purchase a ticket, visit http://bit.ly/2rnHRTH.

Dinos After Dark

Friday, October 25, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.

Philadelphia’s dinosaur museum is open late tonight with pay-as you-wish admission, a pop-up Dino Drafts beer garden with food, and fun activities. The Academy welcomes adults and also families with kids to enjoy the museum after dark. Suggested donation: $10. Partial proceeds from Dino Drafts benefit the Academy.

Access to Science: Opening Doors to Autism

Sunday, October 27, 9–11 a.m.

Visitors on the autism spectrum and their families are invited to experience the museum during this early opening before the crowds. Visit with the dinosaurs, explore Outside In, the hands-on children’s discovery center, see the special exhibit Dinosaurs Around the World, and wander through the dioramas at your own pace. Preregistration required. Visit ansp.org.

Access to Science: Opening Doors to Autism

Saturday, November 9, 9–11 a.m.

Visitors on the autism spectrum and their families are invited to experience the museum during this early opening before the crowds. Visit with the dinosaurs, explore Outside In, the hands-on children’s discovery center, see the special exhibit Dinosaurs Around the World, and wander through the dioramas at your own pace. Preregistration required. Visit ansp.org.

Thanksgiving Day

Thursday, November 28

The Academy of Natural Sciences is closed today for Thanksgiving Day.

Wild Wizarding Weekend

Friday through Sunday, November 29–December 1, All day

Explore the magical world of the Academy’s phenomenal beasts with a weekend of spellbinding, hands-on activities! Meet the museum’s live animals and learn about the actual animals that inspire your favorite wizarding stories. Play a Bunny and Broomsticks game, make a magic wand, and take home a dragon’s egg during this wild weekend where all wizards are welcome. Wear a costume and get a $2 discount at the door or save when you purchase online.

Dinos After Dark

Friday, November 29, 4 p.m.–8 p.m.

Philadelphia’s dinosaur museum is open late tonight with pay-as you-wish admission, a pop-up Dino Drafts beer garden with food, and fun activities. The Academy welcomes adults and also families with kids to enjoy the museum after dark. Suggested donation: $10. Partial proceeds from Dino Drafts benefit the Academy.

Christmas Day

Wednesday, December 25

The Academy of Natural Sciences is closed today for Christmas.

Access to Science: Opening Doors to Autism

Friday, December 27, 9–11 a.m.