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The Academy of Natural Sciences will close its Parkway museum at the end of September.

The Academy of Natural Sciences will close its Parkway museum on September 30, ending a nearly 200-year run as a natural history institution. The museum, founded in 1812 and opened to the public in 1828, is known for its dinosaur exhibits and interactive experiences. The Academy stated that continuing to operate the museum in its current building would place increasing pressure on resources required to safeguard collections and sustain the research enterprise. To preserve the institution's mission, Drexel University and the Academy of Natural Sciences are working with Governor Josh Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle L. Parker to reach a financial and governance agreement. Ambassador David L. Cohen was appointed by the governor to help broker a deal between the two entities. The goal is to preserve the Academy's essential mission of research, education, and public engagement while ensuring the Academy does not jeopardize Drexel University, which faces its own financial challenges. While the museum closes, the Academy's research operations will continue. Drexel University and the Academy of Natural Sciences are exploring the possibility of establishing a new, smaller museum in a different location through a third partner.

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