Philadelphia's Oldest Natural History Museum to Close After 198 Years

Key points

• The Academy of Natural Sciences, founded in 1812 and opened in 1828, will close its Parkway museum on September 30, 2026, with the last public day being September 27.
• Drexel University and the Academy cited 'fundamental changes' in visitor economics and rising costs as reasons for the closure, noting that attendance never fully recovered from the pandemic.
• The closure will impact approximately 27 of the 80 employees at the Academy, though the specific nature of the job losses or transfers has not been disclosed.
• Scott Cooper, the Academy’s president and CEO for nearly nine years, is stepping down immediately, though he will remain as a consultant.
• The Academy’s 19-million-specimen collection and research operations, including the Patrick Center for Environmental Research, will continue to operate at the current location.
• Drexel University has provided the Academy with over $8 million in annual support, but the university is facing its own financial deficits and enrollment declines.

Background

The Academy of Natural Sciences has been affiliated with Drexel University since 2011, a partnership that has faced increasing financial strain. In 2025, the museum reduced its operating hours from five to three days a week in an attempt to achieve financial sustainability. The closure follows a period of declining revenue and rising costs, with the Academy reporting $25.8 million in revenue and $23.8 million in expenditures for 2025. The institution is known for its Dinosaur Hall and interactive exhibits, which have been a staple for Philadelphia families and students for generations.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Times and PhillyVoice emphasize the historical significance of the museum and the emotional impact on the community, highlighting visitor memories and the loss of a cultural landmark. The Inquirer provides a more detailed financial and governance perspective, noting the friction between Drexel and the Academy, the university's financial challenges, and the ongoing negotiations to find a sustainable model. 6abc focuses on the immediate reaction from the public and staff, capturing the disappointment of long-time visitors and the abrupt nature of the announcement. All sources agree on the closure date and the reasons cited by the Academy, but they differ in their emphasis on the financial details and the future of the institution's public engagement.

Why it matters

The closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences marks the end of an era for Philadelphia's cultural and scientific landscape. As the oldest natural history museum in the country, its closure highlights the financial pressures facing many institutions in the arts and sciences. The decision to close the museum while preserving the research and collections underscores the tension between public engagement and financial sustainability. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations between Drexel and the Academy will determine the future of the institution and its ability to continue its mission of public education and scientific research.

What to watch

The Academy and Drexel are in the process of negotiating a 'term sheet' to determine the future governance and financial structure of the Academy. The goal is to find a sustainable model that allows for continued public engagement and access to the collections. The closure of the museum is expected to have a significant impact on the local community and the broader arts and culture sector in Philadelphia. The Academy will continue to operate its research and collection departments, and efforts will be made to find new ways to engage the public with its resources.