Embarking on the Academy of Natural Sciences’ Next Chapter: Protecting a legacy
Journal
Written on: September 25, 2026
For more than two centuries, the Academy of Natural Sciences has helped people understand our natural world through its extraordinary collections, groundbreaking research and commitment to discovery and learning. Today, the Academy is building on that legacy as it enters its next chapter.
At the heart of that future are the Academy’s collections, library and archives and the scientists, researchers and students whose work continues to generate new knowledge and discovery. Drexel and Academy leadership, together with our partners, are working to establish a sustainable long-term model that safeguards these irreplaceable resources, strengthens the Academy’s scientific enterprise and creates new and meaningful ways for people to engage with its collections and discoveries.
We are honored to have served generations of visitors, members, families and supporters as a welcoming space to interact with and be inspired by the natural world. The people who have come through our doors shaped our understanding of the world as much as our exhibits helped shape theirs.
As students of the natural world, however, we know in our core that evolution is inherent to growth, and that the Academy cannot continue to serve more generations without change. We are bidding the fondest farewell to the museum while we evolve to be stronger for a future of discovery, conservation and engagement.
FAQ
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The decision to close the Academy's museum was not made lightly or in haste, but after years of persevering through the new public engagement landscape that emerged after the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite innovative and creative work from museum staff and an engaged membership and visitor base, the cost of the museum's operations and upkeep are simply beyond the reach of the Academy's revenue model.
While the Academy has inspired—and been inspired by—nearly two centuries of museum visitors, the difficult decision to close the museum was made out of necessity to dedicate resources to our enduring scientific assets, important research and the ongoing mission of understanding and preserving the natural world for centuries to come.
Although the museum is closing, the Academy’s broader educational and scientific mission will continue. Drexel University and Academy leadership remain committed to education, scientific research, collections care and advancing understanding of the natural world as well as finding opportunities for public engagement.
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No. Access to and use of the Academy’s collections will not be affected by the museum’s closure. The collections, library and archives will remain available for research and education purposes.
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The Academy is carefully evaluating next steps for the exhibits and features located throughout the museum. Fossils and other original scientific materials will continue to be carefully preserved as part of the Academy’s scientific collections while next steps are determined. Plans for other exhibits and features will be communicated as they are finalized.
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Drexel University and the Academy of Natural Sciences remain committed to preserving access to the Academy’s collections as an educational and scientific resource. While the collections have not historically been open for unrestricted public access, members of the public will still be able to encounter collection materials through loans to exhibitions hosted by other institutions.
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Members will receive direct communication from the Academy regarding their membership. Updates will also be posted on this website as they become available.
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The Academy is working directly with individuals and organizations that have existing reservations.
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Yes. The Academy’s scientific enterprise will be unaffected by the museum’s closure. Its scientific collections, library and archive will continue to support scientific discovery, biodiversity research and environmental education. Academy research, including the work of the Ruth Patrick Center for Environmental Research, will continue unchanged.
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Supporters are encouraged to visit this website for the latest information about the Academy’s ongoing scientific and educational work.
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Any donations will help support the care of our collections and the research being done by Academy scientists.
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The building will remain in operation and continue to house the Academy’s collections, research activities and exhibit materials while Drexel and Academy leadership consider potential paths forward.
