Welcome to the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University!

As a member of the Academy, you have free year-round general admission to the museum, where you’ll see some of the most surprising and spectacular wonders of the natural world. There is so much you can do with your membership! 

While you enjoy all of your member benefits throughout the year, you are also providing important support for the Academy’s world-renowned research in biodiversity and environmental science. We appreciate your support and hope you visit us often.

This guide is designed to help you make the most of your membership. If you have any questions regarding your membership, please contact the Membership Department at 215-299-1022 or membership@ansp.org.

Planning Your Visit

The Academy is located right in the heart of Philadelphia’s museum district, at the corner of 19th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. See Directions and Parking for more information.

Museum Hours

The Academy is open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Outside In is open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day

Parking

Academy Members receive exclusive parking discounts at the Logan Square Garage at 1815 Cherry Street. Please download the iParkit App and sign up for Express Hourly Parking (no reservations necessary). Use program code ACADMBR001 and your Academy Member ID to register, and you will receive special parking rates and an additional 20% off your first five uses. The first five uses discount also applies to other parking garages throughout Philadelphia. Remember to scan your Express pass at the entry station when you arrive. See your membership welcome email for additional information or contact the membership department at 215-299-1022 or membership@ansp.org for assistance.

Contact Us

The Membership Department can be reached Monday through Friday, 9 am–5 pm, at 215-299-1022 or by email at membership@ansp.org for assistance with any of the following:

• Benefits information
• Change of address or membership information
• Access to member cards
• Renewing or upgrading your membership
• Other questions regarding your membership or member events

Other Academy Contacts

General Museum Information: 215-299-1000
Birthday Parties: 215-299-1060
Donations to the Academy: 215-299-1182
Event and Facility Rentals: 215-299-1115
Lost-and-Found: 215-299-1000
Program Registration, including camps: 215-299-1060
Volunteer Office: 215-299-1029

A Guide to Your Benefits

All members receive the following list of general member benefits plus any additional benefits that are included with your membership level. Please check back for updates!

Free General Admission to the Museum

Members of the Academy always get free general admission to the museum! Just show the admissions desk representative your member card. Don’t have your member card? Simply provide a valid photo ID and our representatives will validate your membership.

Free or Discounted Tickets to Special Exhibits

Members receive free admission to Ice Dinosaurs (September 28, 2024–May 4, 2025)

Downloadable Digital Membership Cards

We’re making your membership even more environmentally friendly by offering digital membership cards. This helps us save thousands of traditional plastic cards and the associated paper letters and envelopes from entering landfills each year.

Exclusive Previews of Academy Exhibits

Members have the opportunity to see our exhibits before anyone else! Look for invitations throughout the year to special events and exhibit openings.

Free Admission to Academy Festivals

Members always get free admission to our exciting festivals, like Paleopalooza and Bug Fest! Simply bring your member card and/or a valid photo ID to check in and enjoy the day.

Behind-the-Scenes Access

Every year, members of the Academy are treated to a special Members’ Night where they can meet our staff, see the collections and experience the breadth and depth of work that takes place behind the scenes.

Special Members-only Program Discounts

Members receive special discounts on Academy programming, including Family Programs and Adult Programs. 

Discounts in the Academy Shop

Enjoy a 10 percent discount in the Academy Shop. Located next to our front desk entrance, the Academy Shop offers a wide variety of nature-inspired items for all ages, including educational toys and activity kits, a wide selection of books and field guides, real fossils and minerals, distinctive jewelry, and Academy-exclusive items. Every purchase made in our shop supports the Academy’s ongoing research activities and educational efforts.

Academy Kids Club

If your children like learning about the natural world, they’ll love being members of the Academy Kids Club! The Kids Club is an exciting free member benefit just for kids ages 12 and under. Experience the Academy in a whole new way. Sign up online.

Add One Extra Adult to Your Membership

Academy memberships are nontransferable. Any adult using a member card to gain entrance into the museum must be listed on the member card. Now you can add your nanny, babysitter, family member or friend to your membership for just $20 extra per year. The person you add does not need to be part of your household and will receive their own membership card. You can make this addition to your membership at the admissions desk on your next visit or by calling the Membership Office at 215-299-1022. Limit one extra adult per membership.

Discounted Guest Passes

Members may purchase discounted admission for their guests on the day of their visit or discounted guest passes in advance of the guest’s visit. Members do not need to accompany guests who use guest passes. Members may purchase guest admission or guest passes at the discounted rate of $11 each at the admissions desk on your next visit. 

Free Admission to More Great Science and Technology Centers*

Family Plus level Academy members and above are entitled to free admission to more than 300 science and technology centers throughout the world through the Association of Science -Technology Centers (ASTC) Passport Program. Download a list of museums worldwide that participate in the ASTC Passport Program.

Please note that science centers or museums located within a 90-mile radius of each other are usually excluded from the Passport Program. However, we have reciprocal admission agreements with some great museums within 90 miles of the Academy. These museums can be found in the upper right corner of the downloadable ASTC list above.

*This membership benefit is for Family Plus level members and above. Call the Membership Office to upgrade your membership and take advantage of this membership benefit. 

Other Important Information

Email and Online Information

Keep informed with the most up-to-date information about events and other important Academy news by signing up to receive emails and our monthly e-newsletter. If you do not currently receive member email updates, sign up today. Don’t forget to indicate your preferences so that we can keep you updated about programs and topics that are relevant to you. Member email addresses are not released for solicitation purposes.

Volunteer Opportunities

More than 400 volunteers of all ages contribute their time each year to further the Academy’s mission. We have volunteer opportunities in museum exhibits, administrative support, environmental programs, library support and scientific research assistance. We also have opportunities for children to participate through family volunteering. View our full list of current volunteer opportunities, or call the Volunteer Office directly at 215-299-1029.

Gift Memberships

Give the gift of discovery to friends or family by purchasing a gift membership to the Academy! As a member of the Academy, your gift recipient will get 12 months of unlimited free admission to the Academy and special exhibits throughout the year. The Academy of Natural Sciences is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and your gift of membership purchase is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.  You can buy your gift online or by calling the Membership Office at 215-299-1022.

Frequently Asked Questions

As an Academy member, do I need to reserve a timed ticket?

There is no need for Academy members to make reservations in advance. This applies to both general admission and special exhibits. Simply arrive at our admissions desk and present your membership card and/or a valid photo ID in order to receive your free admission.

How can I purchase special exhibit tickets using my member discount?

Currently, Academy members at all membership levels receive free admission to our special exhibits.

Do I need to wear a face covering?

While masks are typically optional in the Academy galleries, the Academy is offering Mask Mornings twice each month to welcome visitors who prefer or need a masked environment. Mask up and visit our dinosaurs, dioramas and special exhibits. Visit the events calendar to learn more.

Can my nanny/babysitter/sister/parent use my member card to get into the museum?

Academy memberships are nontransferable. Any adult using a member card to gain entrance into the museum must be listed on the member card. You may add an extra adult onto your membership for $20. You may make this addition on your next trip to the museum or by calling the Membership Office at 215-299-1022.

Is my membership tax-deductible? 

Yes. The Academy of Natural Sciences is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and as such all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Individual and Family memberships are 100 percent tax-deductible. Family Plus memberships and Academy Collaborator memberships are partially tax-deductible. Your receipt will contain the estimated tax-deductible portion of your membership dues payment. For more information about the tax benefits of your membership contribution, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 215-299-1122 or friends@ansp.org.

Can I upgrade my membership during the year?

Absolutely. You may upgrade your membership at any time by simply paying the difference between your current membership level and the level to which you would like to upgrade. Upgrade at the admissions desk on your next visit, by calling 215-299-1022.

Can I still get into the museum if I forget my membership card?

Yes. Simply provide a valid photo ID and our representatives will validate your membership.

How do I access my digital membership card?

If your email address is linked to your Academy membership, you'll receive an email from our partners at Cuseum with a link to download your membership card to your mobile device. You can use Google Pay (GPay), Apple Wallet and many other digital wallet apps. If you did not receive the email to download your membership card, please contact us at 215-299-1022 or membership@ansp.org to ensure we have your email address on file.

Once you've downloaded your membership card to the wallet app of your choice, you'll simply open the app on your phone and click on the membership card. This will open your membership details and a barcode for museum access.

How do I get a replacement membership card?

If you need us to send a new link to your digital membership card, or if you need to request a physical membership card, please call the Membership Office at 215-299-1022 or email us at membership@ansp.org.

Can I share my digital membership card with other members listed on my membership?

Yes! If you have one or more other adults named on your membership, they can also download the digital membership card. If their email address is linked to the membership, they will receive an email from us with the link to download the card to their digital wallet. If we do not have their email address, you may still share the digital membership with them. Visit the Cuseum support page for detailed instructions. Please note, any adult using a member card to gain entrance into the museum must be listed on the member card and will be asked for a photo ID at the admissions desk.

Can I use my membership when accompanying or chaperoning a Field Trip?

No, Museum Memberships cannot be combined with group visits. Other discounts, coupons, and affiliate memberships (including Museum Passes) are not applicable with group admission.

I’m organizing a drawing or silent auction. How can I request a donation from the Academy?

We process all donation requests through an online form. Please submit your request at ansp.requestitem.com and we will make every effort to fulfill it.

Thank you for your support of the Academy!