Philadelphia's Academy of Natural Sciences closes after 200 years, but fight for its future continues

Key points

• The Academy of Natural Sciences closed its doors to the public on Sunday, September 27, 2026, after nearly 200 years of operation.
• Drexel University announced the closure in August, citing declining attendance and the university's financial struggles.
• The museum was founded in 1812 and opened to the public in 1828.
• Supporters are urging Drexel to accept a William Penn Foundation funding offer that could cover the museum's operating costs for at least another year.
• A Philadelphia City Council meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2026, to hear from museum leadership about the closure.

Background

The Academy of Natural Sciences had been struggling with declining attendance and rising operating costs for some time. In September 2026, Drexel University announced the closure of the museum, with public hours ending on September 27. The plan was to relocate the academy's approximately 19 million specimens and sell the building while preserving research and collections elsewhere. The closure was met with public outcry and protests, with supporters rallying to save the museum.

How outlets are covering it

6abc Philadelphia reported that the Academy of Natural Sciences closed for good after nearly 200 years, citing Drexel University's announcement of the closure due to declining attendance and financial struggles. NBC10 Philadelphia reported that supporters were urging Drexel to accept a William Penn Foundation funding offer that could cover the museum's operating costs for at least another year. The Philadelphia Tribune reported that visitors bid farewell to the museum as it closed after nearly 200 years. Yahoo reported on the efforts to save the Academy of Natural Sciences.

Why it matters

The closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences is significant because it is a beloved Philadelphia museum that has been educating children and families for nearly 200 years. The closure also highlights the financial struggles facing museums and other cultural institutions. The fight to save the museum is ongoing, with supporters pushing for a funding offer to keep it open.

What to watch

A Philadelphia City Council meeting is scheduled for October 7, 2026, to hear from museum leadership about the closure. Supporters are urging Drexel to accept a William Penn Foundation funding offer that could cover the museum's operating costs for at least another year. The future of the museum is uncertain, but the fight to save it is ongoing.