Host Your Event at the Academy
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Treat your guests to a spectacular event they won’t forget. Enjoy a memorable evening paired with amazing food, superior service and a setting unlike any other in Philadelphia.
Our historic museum accommodates groups ranging from 30 to 3,000 people inside our unique galleries. As an affordable event and wedding venue that prioritizes sustainability, we will help you plan your next celebration with a unique attention to the preservation of our environment.
We host weddings, corporate events, mitzvahs, proms, lectures and so much more.
Need more space? Ask us about the full museum or multiple gallery access. Need something extra special? Inquire about live animal encounters, bringing real scientists to your event and educational activities for your guests. With the natural world inside our walls, the Academy offers the perfect space for your next event!
Ask about our membership discount! Not a member? Join now.
Birthday Parties
With a T. rex that has celebrated millions of birthdays, the Academy really knows how to throw a party!
Make Our Space Yours
Catering
We partner with 12th Street Catering to create events that are as environmentally friendly as they are unforgettable.
12th Street is a premier, eco-friendly green caterer in Philadelphia. They make “going green” a part of their everyday philosophy by:
- Sourcing veggies, herbs and wildflowers from our very own rooftop garden.
- Composting all leftover ingredients in our facility in Philadelphia.
- Upholding company-wide recycling policies, including an on-site compactor for recycling cardboard and plastic.
- Utilizing biodegradable plates and utensils made from fallen palm leaves and corn starch.
- Serving as a proud member and supporter of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.
Learn more about 12th St. Catering’s full-service events.
Academy Galleries
The Academy’s galleries could be the perfect location for your event. For more information on what galleries are available, please contact the events team.
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Subject to change due to gallery changes. Typically, the galleries hold 50-100 guests, reception-style.
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Dinosaur Hall is home to the Academy’s iconic collection of dinosaur skeletons. The space features our beautifully restored original polished stone floors, a mezzanine that overlooks the main floor and a towering 42-foot T. rex.
Capacity: Reception 350, Seated Dinner 250
Questions? Contact us online about hosting your event at the Academy or call our events team directly at 215-299-1115.
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This bright conference room is located adjacent to Dinosaur Hall. Equipped with an LCD screen, it is available to host your next board meeting, staff retreat or training session.
Capacity: Board Room 20, Theater 30
Questions? Contact us online about hosting your event at the Academy or call our events team directly at 215-299-1115.
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Our accessible auditorium is perfect for company meetings, awards presentations, lectures, auctions and multi-speaker presentations. The auditorium is equipped with large-screen, high-definition video.
Capacity: 375, cinema-style
Questions? Contact us online about hosting your event at the Academy or call our events team directly at 215-299-1115.
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North American Hall offers guests the chance to dine among the animals of the great American wilderness. Make a lasting impression on your guests by hosting a farm-to-table style dinner or a cocktail reception!
Capacity: Reception 150, Seated Dinner 100
Questions? Contact us online about hosting your event at the Academy or call our events team directly at 215-299-1115.
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Dramatic dioramas of lions, gorillas and other African wildlife transform any event into a real adventure. Your guests can travel the entire African continent — from the Sahara Desert to the Serengeti Plains — in one evening ... right in the heart of downtown Philadelphia.
Capacity: Reception 200, Seated Dinner 75
Questions? Contact us online about hosting your event at the Academy or call our events team directly at 215-299-1115.
Mitzvahs at the Academy
Mitzvahs are backed by centuries of tradition, but the celebration afterward can stand out from the crowd.
Merge tradition with fresh style and create memories unique to your celebration among dinosaurs, dioramas and so much more. Our expert event planners will create the most perfect and hassle-free event. Let our event planners take care of everything from event rentals to flowers and a customized 12th St. Catering menu that is sure to leave your guests talking for days.
Questions? Contact us online about hosting your event at the Academy or call our events team directly at 215-299-1115.
Weddings at the Academy
Looking for a unique and historic way to celebrate your special day? Host your wedding at the Academy of Natural Sciences! Where else in Philadelphia can you say "I Do!" under a towering T. rex or mingle among moose during your cocktail hour?
At the Academy of Natural Sciences, your guests will attend a wedding they’ll never forget.
12th St. Catering's event planners will create the most perfect and hassle-free wedding for you with a customized menu that is sure to leave your guests talking for days. Leave the worrying to us, so that you can enjoy the night of a lifetime.
Package Includes:
- Dedicated bridal suite.
- Multiple ceremony and space options.
- Custom menus from our onsite catering partner, 12th Street.
- Five-hour reception (ceremonies can be accommodated for an additional fee).
- Rental includes use of in-house tables and chairs, housekeeping and security.
Questions? Contact us online about hosting your event at the Academy or call our events team directly at 215-299-1115.
FAQ
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The Academy’s exclusive caterer, 12th St. Catering, is here to offer fresh and innovative menus shaped to meet the needs of your guests. We do not allow outside catering and alcohol.
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We provide an accessible entrance to the museum from the side of the building on 19th Street. From the lobby there are two elevators that provide access to each floor. For reference, please view a PDF map of the Academy.
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Yes, there is convenient parking near the Academy of Natural Sciences. More information on parking and transportation information.
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We have preferred A/V companies, florists, and entertainment companies, but you are free to bring in your own vendors. 12th Street is our exclusive caterer.
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Your room(s) is a 5-hour rental. The fee includes an Academy event host, security, custodial services and our stock of tables and chairs.
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You can work with our events team to figure out the best time to set up your event. The museum is open to the public during the daytime, so setup times may vary.
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We offer different pricing for weekdays, weekends, and Saturday evenings during peak season (May-December). Peak season rates expire four months out.
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We do not offer a set non-profit rate, but we’re happy to work with you to identify the best way to meet your needs and budget.
The Academy’s exclusive caterer, 12th St. Catering, is here to offer fresh and innovative menus shaped to meet the needs of your guests. We do not allow outside catering and alcohol.
We provide an accessible entrance to the museum from the side of the building on 19th Street. From the lobby there are two elevators that provide access to each floor. For reference, please view a PDF map of the Academy.
Yes, there is convenient parking near the Academy of Natural Sciences. More information on parking and transportation information.
We have preferred A/V companies, florists, and entertainment companies, but you are free to bring in your own vendors. 12th Street is our exclusive caterer.
Your room(s) is a 5-hour rental. The fee includes an Academy event host, security, custodial services and our stock of tables and chairs.
You can work with our events team to figure out the best time to set up your event. The museum is open to the public during the daytime, so setup times may vary.
We offer different pricing for weekdays, weekends, and Saturday evenings during peak season (May-December). Peak season rates expire four months out.
We do not offer a set non-profit rate, but we’re happy to work with you to identify the best way to meet your needs and budget.