PHILADELPHIA, November 20, 2014

The International Orchid Show is coming to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University this spring and so is the captivating adventure story—and replica—of the largest snake that ever lived.

On Valentine’s Day, Titanoboa: Monster Snake opens with a life-size replica of the 48-foot-long predator that roamed parts of South America following the extinction of the dinosaurs. Then on April 24, 25 and 26, the International Orchid Show and Sale, presented with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid Society, will transform the museum into a colorful wonderland of sights and smells.

And there’s more. For details, registration, and frequent updates about the following programs, visit ansp.org.

Caryn Babaian: Nature in Chalk

January 17 through May 31, 2015

Art of Science Gallery

Caryn Babaian’s exhibition of large-scale “nature mandalas” in colorful chalk focuses on the complexity and beauty of living systems within the natural world. Babaian, a biology professor and accomplished artist, uses circular compositions to reference traditional Hindu and Buddhist mandalas, spiritual and ritual symbols representing the universe in those religions. In doing so, she hopes visitors will be encouraged to contemplate the natural world and establish a connection to their place within it. Art-making is a key component of her Bucks County Community College science classes. By actively observing and drawing, she believes her students will more deeply observe and relate to the details within nature. Free with regular museum admission.

February 14 through April 19, 2015

Special Exhibits Gallery

Deep underground in a Colombian coal mine, scientists have uncovered remains of the largest snake in the world, Titanoboa cerrejonensis. Stand eye-to-eye with a full-scale model of this massive predator, which at 48 feet long and 2,500 pounds could crush and devour a crocodile. Titanoboa haunted the rain forest during the Paleocene, the lost world that followed the demise of the dinosaurs. This fearfully fun exhibition explores the adventure of Titanoboa’s discovery and reconstruction, as well as what scientists have learned from this enormous reptile. See live snakes from the Academy’s collection and crawl to victory in the Titanoboa Challenge. Free with regular museum admission.

Academy Explorers Spring Camp

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 1, 2 and 3

Science runs wild at this fun, educational spring break day camp for children ages 5–12 at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Each day includes a teacher-naturalist presentation, exhibit exploration, games, crafts and other interactive activities. Each camp runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with optional before- and after-care. Days may be reserved individually or as part of a longer experience. Fee: $55 per Member camper per day, $60 per nonmember camper per day. Participants who reserve more than one camp day receive a $5 discount for each additional day. There is an extra fee for before- and after-care. For more information and to register, call 215-299-1060. The schedule and themes are:

Animal Adventures, April 1

Spend some time with the Academy’s live animals and learn what it means to survive in the wild.

Dynamic Dinosaurs, April 2

Explore the fascinating, super-sized beasts that roamed the earth 65 million years ago.

Bug Bonanza, April 3

Discover amazing insects—small, powerful, weird, and beautiful.  

Mega-Bad Movie Night on Tour: Philadelphia Mausoleum of Contemporary Art

Thursday, April 16, Reception 7 p.m., Movie 8 p.m.

The Academy of Natural Sciences’ Mega-Bad Movie Night is on tour for the night at the Philadelphia Mausoleum of Contemporary Art. Enjoy quippy experts, witty commentary, live animals, specimens, and, of course, a terrible “science” movie. Indulge in drinks and complimentary snacks, then enjoy the many scientific absurdities of the film, like Mystery Science Theater 3000. For the film title and registration, visit http://bit.ly/1uzt5mn.

Safari Overnight

Saturday, April 18, 6:30 p.m.

Experience the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University after dark. Bring your 7- to 14-year-old children to enjoy a night of interactive activities and encounters with live animals. Socialize and enjoy refreshments, then sleep next to the lions, tigers or Tyrannosaurus rex. Awaken to a light breakfast and more exploration. Each child receives a participation patch. For information and to register, call 215-299-1060. Fee: Members $40, nonmembers $45.

SEPOS International Orchid Show and Sale

Friday, April 24, Noon to 6 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

An International Orchid Show and Sale will transform the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University into a spectacular world of orchids for three days at the height of springtime. Presented in collaboration with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Orchid Society, the show features thousands of gorgeous orchids from around the world, arranged in beautiful displays. Take advantage of the opportunity to purchase flowers directly from vendors from as far away as Ecuador, Brazil and Japan. Novices and experts alike will learn valuable botanical information during talks and tours. Free with regular museum admission. Group rates available. For more information, visit ansp.org/orchidshow or call 215-299-1167.

Animal Grossology

May 16–August 30

Special Exhibits Gallery

Experience the slimiest, stinkiest and downright yuckiest creatures on earth in Animal Grossology at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Based on the best-selling children’s book series Grossology by Sylvia Branzei, this exhibit oozes with disgusting science and entertaining hands-on learning games. Find out why the dung beetle is called nature’s pooper scooper, why cows chew cud, and how snail and slug slime could lead to a treatment for cystic fibrosis. From poop to pellets and scales to hairballs, celebrate all the things that can’t be discussed at the dinner table. Fee in addition to regular museum admission.

Clearly Beautiful: Photographs by Adam Summers
June 6–September 25

Art of Science Gallery

The large, revealing images of Clearly Beautiful: Photographs by Adam Summers depict the striking results of a common method of studying animal anatomy called clearing and staining. To achieve the beautifully detailed inner skeletal tissues of fish, the photographer, University of Washington biology professor Adam Summers, soaked the specimens in different dyes and enzymes to render the soft tissues transparent and the harder tissues deep blue and crimson. Each step of the process is described and illustrated through more photographs and fish specimens from the collection of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Free with regular museum admission.

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