Membership
Free or discounted admission to spectacular new
special exhibits
In June, Glow: Living Lights will illuminate our Special Exhibits Gallery with glow-in-the-dark creatures, and in October, Dinosaurs Unearthed will feature stunning life-size, life-like animatronic dinosaurs! Members get free or reduced admission to these exhibits.
Unlimited, free general admission to the museum for
an entire year
Members can explore the museum, including popular exhibits like Dinosaur Hall, our Live Animal Center, and Butterflies! as much as they want for free!
A members-only parking discount card makes
museum parking cheap and easy!
Members receive a special parking card to receive discounts at Central Parking locations by the museum, throughout Philadelphia, and even in cities like D.C. and New York!
Free Kids Club membership benefits for children ages
12 and under
Members at the Family level or above can sign up their children for Academy Kids Club. Kids in the club get a personalized membership card, monthly museum activities to complete for stamps, a birthday surprise, invitations to Kids Club dinosaur events, and much more. Best of all, it’s FREE!
Behind-the-scenes access to our scientists and
collections on our annual Members’ Night
Every year, we open up our collections and labs to our members. Members can talk to scientists in the labs and offices in which they work, watch demonstrations, and even see the coolest creatures among our 18 million specimens that are rarely seen by the public!
See exhibits first as an Academy Member
Academy members can be among the first to see Glow, our newest exhibit all about bioluminescence! Journey through a darkened gallery as you explore a world of light-producing terrestrial organisms, including fireflies, glow worms, and even alien-looking viper fish and cookie cutter sharks. Kids can even try on firefly and sea creature costumes and pretend to be their favorite glowing animals! Register for the Glow Member Preview here or by calling 215-299-1022.
This event is for members of the Academy of Natural Sciences only.
Get insider access to the Academy with a membership!
Membership in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University gives you free year-round admission to the museum, where you’ll see some of the most surprising and spectacular wonders of the natural world. As a member, you’ll also be providing important support for the Academy’s world-renowned research in biodiversity and environmental science. Your membership dues help:
- Ensure the conservation of the Academy’s unparalleled collections, including treasures such as John James Audubon’s birds and Thomas Jefferson’s fossil collection.
- Bring the best in science education to more than 50,000 Philadelphia students each year.
- Sustain vital scientific research into environmental and species conservation, public education, and discourse around the future of our planet.
- And much more!
General Member Benefits
Become an Academy member today and get special access to all the Academy’s wonders! General benefits of Academy membership include:
- Unlimited, free admission to the Academy, including most special exhibits
- Exclusive previews of Academy exhibits
- Free, expedited entrance to our popular festivals, including Paleopalooza and Bug Fest
- Discounted guest passes for friends and family
- Member parking discounts
- A Kids Club membership for our younger members, ages 12 and under
- Special access to the Academy’s scientists and collections
- A behind-the-scenes look at the Academy at our annual Members’ Night
- Special discounts on select sustainability programs
- Special members-only discounts on Safari Overnights, Academy Explorers Camp, Tiny Tot Explorers, birthday parties, and other kids’ programs
- Discounts on Academy programming for adults, including workshops and field studies with scientists
- 10 percent discount in the Academy Shop and Academy Café
- Free subscription to Academy Frontiers, our quarterly member magazine
- Free admission to more than 300 Science and Technology centers through the Association of Science - Technology Centers’ Passport Program
- Research access to the Academy Library by appointment
- Special member access to facilities and unique programs at the Drexel Recreation Center
- 15 percent discount on a Philadelphia Film Society membership
- The chance to add an extra adult to your membership
Already a member? Go to the Members’ Guide for more information on your membership.
Member Levels
Individual ($50)
With an Individual membership to the Academy, you will receive general member benefits for one individual, from free admission all year long to special access to Academy scientists and collections!
Family ($89)
With a Family membership to the Academy, two adults and up to five children (under 18) in the same household OR up to five grandchildren (under 18) will receive general member benefits.
Family Plus ($99) — Best Value!
With a Family Plus membership, you will receive all the benefits of Family membership, plus:
- Two free guests every time you visit. Member must accompany guest.
Supporting ($150)
With a Supporting membership, you will receive all the benefits of Family Plus membership, plus:
- Two free guest passes to give to friends or family. Members do not need to accompany guests who use guest passes.
- Exclusive invitations to VIP exhibit previews and events
Partner's Club ($250 | $220 tax-deductible)
With a Partner's Club membership, you will receive all the benefits of Supporting membership, plus:
- Three additional free guest passes to give to friends or family (five total)
- Invitations to special behind-the-scenes tours and events
- 15% discount at the Academy Shop
- Recognition in the Annual Report
Founder's Club ($500 | $470 tax-deductible)
With a Founder's Club membership, you will receive all the benefits of Partner's Club membership,
plus:
- Five additional free guest passes to give to friends or family (ten total)
- Special Academy gift
Leadership Circles
Members of our Leadership Circles provide critical support to the Academy's programs of scientific research and education, and receive special benefits in return.
Please see Leadership Circles of Giving for more information.
Drexel Employee Membership
Drexel University Faculty and Staff receive 10% off membership dues when they pay for an Academy membership through payroll deduction! Learn more here.
Museum Pass Membership ($150 per member card)
The Academy offers a special transferable membership for libraries, schools, and other organizations. To enroll your organization in this program, or to learn more about the special benefits and pricing, please contact the Academy Membership Office directly at 215-299-1022 or membership@ansp.org.
Members' Night
Once a year our members are treated to a special night, just for them.
Find out more
Museum Passport Program
Members have free access to more than 300 science and technology centers in America through the Association of Science - Technology Centers' (ASTC) Passport Program.
Learn about the program