Philadelphia's Oldest Science Museum to Close After 198 Years Amid Financial Strain

Key points

• The museum, founded in 1828, will close its doors on September 30, 2026, with the last public day being September 27.
• Drexel University President Antonio Merlo and Academy Board Chair Suzanne Biemiller cited rising operational costs and post-pandemic attendance declines as the primary drivers for the closure.
• The Academy’s 19-million-specimen collection, including fossils and archives, will be preserved, while the Parkway building is slated for sale to offset financial burdens.
• Scott Cooper, the Academy’s president and CEO, is stepping down immediately but will remain in an advisory capacity to guide the transition.
• Approximately 27 of the Academy’s 80 employees are expected to be impacted by the closure, though specific outcomes for staff have not been detailed.

Background

The Academy of Natural Sciences, founded in 1812, is the oldest natural science research institution in the United States. It became affiliated with Drexel University in 2011, a partnership that has faced increasing financial friction in recent years. Drexel has provided substantial annual support to the Academy, including nearly $9 million in fiscal 2024, but the university is currently grappling with its own budget deficits and enrollment declines. The museum had already reduced its operating hours to three days a week in late 2025 due to low attendance and federal funding cuts, signaling the mounting pressures that led to the final closure decision.

How outlets are covering it

NBC10 and Axios emphasize the closure as a result of 'fundamental changes' in the museum's economic model, highlighting the shift from temporary pressures to structural insolvency. The Inquirer provides deeper insight into the financial strain on Drexel University, noting that the Academy has become a significant drain on the university's resources. While all outlets agree on the closure, The Inquirer highlights the ongoing negotiations between Drexel, the Academy, and city officials, including former Comcast executive David Cohen, to secure a sustainable future for the institution. The Inquirer also notes that the closure is part of a broader effort to protect the Academy's scientific mission, even as it raises questions about the future of public engagement and the potential sale of the historic Parkway building.

Why it matters

The closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences museum marks a significant loss for Philadelphia's cultural landscape, as it was one of the city's most historic and beloved institutions. The decision underscores the broader challenges facing cultural and educational institutions in the post-pandemic era, where rising costs and shifting audience behaviors have forced many to reconsider their operational models. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations between Drexel and the Academy will determine the future of one of the nation's most important scientific collections and its public engagement mission.

What to watch

The Academy and Drexel University are currently negotiating a 'term sheet' to establish a new governance structure and financial model for the Academy. The building is expected to be sold, with the collections and research operations to be relocated. Scott Cooper will continue in an advisory role to ensure a smooth transition. The final form of the Academy's public engagement, including whether a new museum will be established, remains undecided. The Inquirer notes that the university is also facing its own financial challenges, including a projected $20 million deficit, which may influence the outcome of these negotiations.