FAQs
Answers to your questions about museum hours, accessibility, wi-fi, bringing kids to the museum, renting the museum, taking photos and more.
Hours and Visitation
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The museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. For a quieter and more relaxed visit, visit the Academy after 2 p.m.
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State-issued ACCESS cards offer general admission to the Academy for only $2 (limit four people), excluding special exhibits. Cardholders must present their ACCESS Card and a valid photo ID to receive the discount. You do not need to purchase a timed ticket to visit with your ACCESS card. ACCESS admission is available during regular museum hours.
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Yes, with one simple purchase, CityPASS® tickets save up to 51% on admission to your choice of 3, 4 or 5 top attractions, including the Academy of Natural Sciences. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over 9-days. Reservations are not required for CityPASS® holders. Simply present your tickets at the admission desk to receive the next available entry.
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You are welcome inside the Academy Shop without purchasing a ticket. The Academy Shop offers a wide variety of science gifts, books, jewelry, books, toys and more for everyone on your list.
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Yes, there are several convenient parking options near the Academy. There is metered parking near the Academy, some of which is free on Sunday (look for the signs that say “Except Sunday”). The following lots and garages offer discounts to our visitors. Please read carefully, as some lots have special requirements to obtain their discounts.
Located at 1815 Cherry Street, the Logan Square Garage offers a touchless parking experience via the iParkit App; new users receive 10% off the first five times they park with the app (no promo code necessary). We recommend downloading the app before reaching the garage. Visitors may also use the map below to find and purchase parking in advance for touchless entry.
Public transportation is plentiful near the museum, with three SEPTA bus routes running within a block of the museum. Southbound Routes 32 and 33 use 19th Street. Northbound Route 32 uses 18th Street, while Northbound Route 33 uses 20th Street. The Academy is a ten-minute walk from Suburban Station, which connects the regional rail, Market Frankford Line, and Broad Street Line.
The museum is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. For a quieter and more relaxed visit, visit the Academy after 2 p.m.
State-issued ACCESS cards offer general admission to the Academy for only $2 (limit four people), excluding special exhibits. Cardholders must present their ACCESS Card and a valid photo ID to receive the discount. You do not need to purchase a timed ticket to visit with your ACCESS card. ACCESS admission is available during regular museum hours.
Yes, with one simple purchase, CityPASS® tickets save up to 51% on admission to your choice of 3, 4 or 5 top attractions, including the Academy of Natural Sciences. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over 9-days. Reservations are not required for CityPASS® holders. Simply present your tickets at the admission desk to receive the next available entry.
You are welcome inside the Academy Shop without purchasing a ticket. The Academy Shop offers a wide variety of science gifts, books, jewelry, books, toys and more for everyone on your list.
Yes, there are several convenient parking options near the Academy. There is metered parking near the Academy, some of which is free on Sunday (look for the signs that say “Except Sunday”). The following lots and garages offer discounts to our visitors. Please read carefully, as some lots have special requirements to obtain their discounts.
Located at 1815 Cherry Street, the Logan Square Garage offers a touchless parking experience via the iParkit App; new users receive 10% off the first five times they park with the app (no promo code necessary). We recommend downloading the app before reaching the garage. Visitors may also use the map below to find and purchase parking in advance for touchless entry.
Public transportation is plentiful near the museum, with three SEPTA bus routes running within a block of the museum. Southbound Routes 32 and 33 use 19th Street. Northbound Route 32 uses 18th Street, while Northbound Route 33 uses 20th Street. The Academy is a ten-minute walk from Suburban Station, which connects the regional rail, Market Frankford Line, and Broad Street Line.
Accessibility
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Yes, the Academy is accessible for people with mobility needs, including people using wheelchairs and scooters. Here are some tips for getting around the Academy easily:
- Visitors with wheelchairs are welcome to enter through our barrier-free entrance located on 19th street.
- Wheelchairs are available in limited numbers upon request.
- The elevator near the 19th street entrance provides access to all levels. The elevator at the front of the building provides access to the main level, mezzanine and second level.
- All restrooms have stalls that can accommodate wheelchairs, and all accessible stalls have railings. Automatic doors are available for the restrooms on the ground level.
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Yes, the Academy welcomes Active Service Animals to all our programs and exhibits. If your service animal is in training, please call the museum to discuss your specific situation. We ask that handlers consider that our museum provides live animal encounters for visitors.
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The Academy grants free admission to one caregiver or aide accompanying a guest with disabilities. Please ask at the admissions desk and a Visitor Services manager will assist you.
Yes, the Academy is accessible for people with mobility needs, including people using wheelchairs and scooters. Here are some tips for getting around the Academy easily:
- Visitors with wheelchairs are welcome to enter through our barrier-free entrance located on 19th street.
- Wheelchairs are available in limited numbers upon request.
- The elevator near the 19th street entrance provides access to all levels. The elevator at the front of the building provides access to the main level, mezzanine and second level.
- All restrooms have stalls that can accommodate wheelchairs, and all accessible stalls have railings. Automatic doors are available for the restrooms on the ground level.
Yes, the Academy welcomes Active Service Animals to all our programs and exhibits. If your service animal is in training, please call the museum to discuss your specific situation. We ask that handlers consider that our museum provides live animal encounters for visitors.
The Academy grants free admission to one caregiver or aide accompanying a guest with disabilities. Please ask at the admissions desk and a Visitor Services manager will assist you.
Practical Matters
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Yes, the Academy has free Wi-Fi. Look for “ansguest.”
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Our coatroom is open and available to leave belongings at your own risk. It is located opposite the entrance to the auditorium on the first level.
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The Academy Caf? is closed until further notice. Vending machines are available for your convenience.
Yes, the Academy has free Wi-Fi. Look for “ansguest.”
Our coatroom is open and available to leave belongings at your own risk. It is located opposite the entrance to the auditorium on the first level.
The Academy Caf? is closed until further notice. Vending machines are available for your convenience.
Babies and Kids
The Academy is a friendly place for both children and their parents.
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Yes, throughout the museum, there are engaging exhibits and activities that are fun for kids of all ages. Don't miss Dinosaur Hall, The Big Dig and Outside In.
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Yes, the Academy is great for young children. The Academy has a hands-on exhibit space perfect for children ages 3–8 and their adults. Outside In is a warm, welcoming place where inquisitive youngsters can investigate a forest, visit the seashore, see and touch live animals and much more. Comfy seats allow caregivers to relax and help your child explore science — up close and hands-on.
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Parents are encouraged to feed and/or nurse their babies any way they choose at the Academy. There is a nook in Dinosaur Hall near the Parkway entrance that provides a somewhat private space for quiet time. We can make accommodations if you prefer to feed your child in private. Please ask a staff person and they will help you find a private area.
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Yes, all floors of the museum are accessible by stroller, and we have a barrier-free entrance to the museum on 19th Street. There are elevators located at either end of the Academy, and families can use them to travel throughout the museum. The elevator in the rear of the museum (near the 19th street entrance) provides access to all levels. The elevator at the front of the building provides access to the main level, mezzanine and second level. The coatroom is open and available to leave coats and strollers, at your own risk. It is located opposite the entrance to the auditorium on the first level.
Exhibits and Entertainment
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Yes, the animals in the dioramas are real, but they are no longer alive. Our world class dioramas reveal skillfully preserved animals and painstakingly modeled plants, insects and environments that reveal a real geographical location at one point in time.
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The Academy is home to more than 100 live animals, representing approximately 50 different species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. We are also home to many invertebrates, from bees to hissing cockroaches and even tarantulas. You can see and sometimes touch many of the Academy’s animal ambassadors in Outside In on the third level.
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Yes, there are many exhibits for adults to enjoy at the museum. Don’t miss Dinosaur Hall our diorama galleries or our many festivals and events featured on our website.
Yes, the animals in the dioramas are real, but they are no longer alive. Our world class dioramas reveal skillfully preserved animals and painstakingly modeled plants, insects and environments that reveal a real geographical location at one point in time.
The Academy is home to more than 100 live animals, representing approximately 50 different species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. We are also home to many invertebrates, from bees to hissing cockroaches and even tarantulas. You can see and sometimes touch many of the Academy’s animal ambassadors in Outside In on the third level.
Yes, there are many exhibits for adults to enjoy at the museum. Don’t miss Dinosaur Hall our diorama galleries or our many festivals and events featured on our website.
Events at the Academy
Treat your guests to a spectacular event they won’t forget.
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With amazing food, superior service and a setting unlike any other in Philadelphia, the Academy is a unique and beautiful place to host weddings, parties, mitzvahs, conferences, workshops, birthday parties, tours and more for groups of all sizes. For your convenience, the Academy and 12th Street Catering, the exclusive caterer of the Academy, have partnered to offer one-stop shopping for all events. Find online information on renting the museum for your event, or contact our on-site event coordinator to discuss your next event and schedule a tour. We can be reached at 215-299-1115 or events@ansp.org.
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Yes, the Academy offers birthday packages for children ages 3 and up. They last two hours and run either in the morning or afternoon on weekends. Families can book a basic party, which offers you a private room and a birthday party host.
Museum Policies
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Possession of dangerous materials, including firearms, is not permitted.
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Yes, the Academy allows photography in most of the museum. Any restrictions for special exhibits will be clearly posted. Commercial photography, videography and filming require advance notice and permission from Public Relations.
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Yes, food and drinks must remain in designated areas. Please recycle in specially marked receptacles.
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Yes, for lost and found, visit the admissions desk in the main lobby near Dinosaur Hall or call 215-299-1000.
Possession of dangerous materials, including firearms, is not permitted.
Yes, the Academy allows photography in most of the museum. Any restrictions for special exhibits will be clearly posted. Commercial photography, videography and filming require advance notice and permission from Public Relations.
Yes, food and drinks must remain in designated areas. Please recycle in specially marked receptacles.
Yes, for lost and found, visit the admissions desk in the main lobby near Dinosaur Hall or call 215-299-1000.
Joining and Donating to the Academy
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To join the Academy as a member you may ask any staff member for assistance, contact our membership office at 215-299-1022, or sign up online.
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To give to the Academy, you may ask any staff member for assistance, contact our Institutional Advancement office at 215-299-1182, or make your donation online.
To join the Academy as a member you may ask any staff member for assistance, contact our membership office at 215-299-1022, or sign up online.
To give to the Academy, you may ask any staff member for assistance, contact our Institutional Advancement office at 215-299-1182, or make your donation online.