Academy Happenings
The Academy is open!
We are so excited to be welcoming visitors again!
Current Hours (Effective July 7)
General Public: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Members only: 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Your safety is our priority and we currently have:
- Enhanced cleaning protocols
- Timed ticketing and reduced capacity
- Required face coverings for visitors over 3
Click here for more details and FAQs
about our current safety protocols.
Gideon Mendel: Drowning World
Gideon Mendel: Drowning World is a unique photographic exploration of flooding, a stark portrayal of
the human condition within the context of overwhelming climate events around the world. The exhibition features 37
photographs, two found-object displays and a video by leading contemporary photographer Gideon Mendel, a native of
Johannesburg, South Africa. Mendel began photographing major floods in 2007 when one in the United Kingdom and
another in India occurred within two weeks of each other. Their proximity struck him as a shared vulnerability that
seemed to unite people. Drowning World includes color images of some of the poorest and
wealthiest communities on the planet, all exposed to the floodwater that envelops them. In this moment the floods
are a leveling factor, and people are brought together in visual solidarity.
All exhibits are included in general admission.
Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs
What did the world look like before the dinosaurs? Step back 290 million years to when bizarre-looking creatures
dominated life on land and sea, and dinosaurs had not yet evolved. Permian Monsters blends vivid
artwork, amazing fossils and scientifically accurate models of moving beasts to recreate this relatively unknown
period when the greatest mass extinction wiped out creatures that will never be discovered. Explore odd-looking
sharks, strange reptilelike precursors of mammals, and the vicious predator the giant saber-toothed gorgonopsid.
Play paleontologist and dig for fossil casts, enjoy interactive games and more.
All exhibits are included in general admission.
Get Your COVID-19 Vaccination at Dornsife Center and receive free admission to the Academy of
Natural Sciences!
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is offering free admission to anyone who becomes fully
vaccinated for COVID-19 at Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships.
- Go to Dornsife Center located at 3509 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104 on Thursdays from 1–4 p.m.
- Once you are fully vaccinated after your second shot, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dornsife-vaccine-free-ticket-tickets-165171389071
to reserve your free ticket.
- Show your COVID-19 vaccination card at the Academy’s front desk
Dornsife Center is Drexel's community-based resource center, where the Drexel community and West Philadelphia
residents and partners collaborate on issues of shared importance.
As a reminder, Drexel students, faculty and staff have free admission year-round. Just show your Dragon Card
at the door.
Last day to visit the Academy is January 31, 2022.
Self Guided Tours
Down the Hall and Around the World Self-Guided Family Expedition Tours
Free with admission; pick up onsite or download at home.
Ready to embark on an expedition? When you visit the Academy, grab a brand new, free self-guided tour to take a
closer look at Dinosaur Hall, North American Hall, and African and Asian Halls.
Explore each exhibit at your own pace. The answers will be right before your eyes or printed in the labels, so have
some fun on this expedition and travel to a whole new world in the halls of the Academy. What will you discover
today?
Like to preplan your route? Download the guides here!
Bug Fest
Bug Fest is back at the Academy this August! While this year's event will be a bit scaled back from past years, we
are excited to present a hybrid version of Bug Fest with both in person activities as well as virtual programs. Join
us in person August 13–15 for creepy-crawly insect displays, roach races and auditorium shows. Check the
schedule below to explore virtual programs for bug lovers of all ages and don't miss the chance to meet up with our
entomologists in person at the Rushton Conservation Center for some community science.
Click here to explore all of our Bug Fest
activities.
Outside In
Our Outside In exhibit has reopened as of July 28!
Inquisitive minds of all ages can investigate animal habitats, explore science and the natural world and discover how
we all have a role to play in our ecosystem.
All exhibits are included in general admission.
Science From Home
Visit our Science From Home page for simple science activities, coloring pages, outdoor activities to explore the
nature around you, and more! We are constantly adding and changing the contents of this page, so check back often!
Click here for 50+ activities to try from
home.