Drexel University Closes Philadelphia's 200 Yr Old Academy of Natural Sciences

2:00 PM · September 30, 2026

Excerpt 6 ABC 6abc.com

A beloved Philadelphia museum is now closed for good, after nearly 200 years of educating children and families.

The Academy of Natural Sciences on the Ben Franklin Parkway was open to the public one final day on Sunday.

Drexel University announced the surprise closure last month, citing declining attendance and the university's financial struggles.

City Council plans to hold a special hearing next month to hear from museum leadership about the struggles leading to the closure.

The museum was founded in 1812 and opened to the public in 1828.

Continue Reading at 6 ABC

Author Commentary

Beege Welborn Sep 30, 2026 2:00 PM ET

This is unconscionable. No notice to fundraise and save any of the treasures, like Lewis and Clark's samples, which were sent back from the expedition. It's not just dinosaurs.

The Academy of Natural Sciences will close its Parkway museum at the end of the month, ending a nearly 200-year run as a destination for generations of visitors.
The museum, founded in 1812 and opened to the public in 1828, has long been a fixture for families, students and educators.
News of the closure left many visitors disappointed as they reflected on memories made inside the institution's galleries and exhibits.
"I think it's a loss to Philadelphia," said Marcia Halbert of Germantown.
Halbert, 97, said she visited the museum with her children and brought students there during her career as a teacher.

This is as underhanded as can be. And tragic.