PHILADELPHIA, August 20, 2019

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is rolling out the welcome mat to more than 204,000 West Philadelphia and Southwest Center City residents this September with an offer of free weekend admission.

Thanks to the museum’s new Free Neighborhood Days, people who live in four designated zip codes can visit Philly’s dinosaur museum for free as many weekends in September as they choose. The zip codes are 19104, 19139, 19143 and 19146. Most of those residents live within the West Philadelphia Promise Neighborhood, a federally-funded, multi-partner project led by Drexel University that creates a cradle-to-career continuum of support for children, their families and communities.

To participate in the Academy’s special free-admission offer, residents need only bring proof of residence showing their zip code or a Free Neighborhood Days postcard. Students must bring their last report card or student ID showing their zip code. Each household may receive up to four complimentary tickets.

The Academy is partnering with libraries, community organizations and other to distribute 10,000 Free Neighborhood Days postcards in the affected communities. This is a pilot project aimed at introducing the nation’s oldest natural history museum to city residents who may not know about the Academy or who may not have visited since they were a child.

“We’re excited to welcome our neighbors to the Academy, where they can explore the natural world through our dynamic live animal shows, butterfly garden, dinosaurs and dioramas. There’s always something fun happening at Philly’s dinosaur museum,” said Niki Stewart, the Academy’s chief learning and engagement officer. “There are amazing experiences to be had here, and we are eager to share them with our neighbors around the city.”

Academy officials are also hoping some visitors will love the Academy so much that they will decide to become a volunteer.

“We are always looking for new volunteers to join our dedicated corps,” Stewart said. “We’ve found that our volunteers’ enthusiasm and love of nature is contagious and makes everyone’s visit to the Academy even more special.”

Here are the locations where residents can pick up a Free Neighborhood Days postcard:

• Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, Drexel University, 3509 Spring Garden Street
• Kingsessing Library, 1201 South 51st Street
• Walnut Street West Library, 201 South 40th Street
• Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library, 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway
• Haverford Library, 5543 Haverford Avenue
• Queen Memorial Library,1201 South 23rd Street