Philly's Academy of Natural Sciences to close museum in 2026, refocusing on outreach and sustainable future

Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will close its museum on Sept. 30, 2026 due to ongoing financial pressures and rising operating costs, with the institution pledging continued public engagement and exploring new, sustainable ways to display its 19 million specimens; leadership notes the closure as the first step in a broader plan for the Academy’s future, and Dr. Scott Cooper will step down as president and CEO, transitioning into an advisory role.