The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is holding a Renais-Science Faire for adults on Thursday, Feb. 21, as part of its quarterly series of evening soirees called Door 19.

Curated for the curious, Door 19 features quirky science, potent libations, off-script tours, and dinosaurs. Held only four nights this year, Door 19 offers attendees the opportunity to go beyond the galleries and into the specimen collections that are off-limits to regular museum visitors. Academy scientists will go a little bit off script to share their knowledge—from creepy taxidermy to medicinal botanicals.

The theme of the Feb. 21 Door 19 is Renais-Science Faire and features open bar and dinner by 12th Street Catering. The event takes place from 6–9:30 p.m., and costume is optional. Participants can:

• Examine sea monsters and explore ancient tomes behind the scenes in the Ichthyology (fish) and Archives collections
• Enjoy the medieval stylings of roving minstrels
• Dissect a kraken and use its ink to write a special message
• Meet living armored beasts and cheer them on as they joust for glory
• Separate fact from fiction and investigate specimens of dragons and cyclops
• Have their fortune foretold with a tea leaf reading
• Find out if unicorns are real in the exhibit, Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids
• Share a selfie with a pirate

   

  Tickets range from $65 to $85 depending how soon they are purchased. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit ansp.org/door19.

   

  Here are the dates and topics for upcoming Door 19s this year:

• Thursday, April 11: Clams Casino Royale
• Thursday, June 13: Traditional Medicinals
• Thursday, October 24: Death and Taxidermy

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