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Academy Of Natural Sciences

All articles tagged with #academy of natural sciences

science-and-culture18 days ago•28 min saved

Former Staff Blame Strategic Shifts for Academy of Natural Sciences Closure

The Academy of Natural Sciences closed its public museum after 198 years, with leadership citing post-pandemic attendance drops and rising costs. Former staff argue that strategic missteps, including a pivot away from family audiences and deferred maintenance, caused the decline. While Drexel denies receiving a formal funding offer from the William Penn Foundation, City Council hearings are scheduled to investigate the closure and explore alternatives.

via whyy.org|

#academy-of-natural-sciences #drexel-university #museum-closure

culture22 days ago

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

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University closed its doors to the public on Sunday, ending nearly 200 years of operation. Drexel cited declining attendance and financial struggles, but supporters are pushing for a William Penn Foundation funding offer to keep the museum open.

via 6abc Philadelphia|

#academy-of-natural-sciences #culture #drexel-university

culture22 days ago•39 min saved

Philadelphia's Oldest Natural History Museum Shuts Doors Amid City Council Fight and Funding Offer

The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, the oldest natural history museum in the US, closed its public doors on September 30, 2026, after failing to secure long-term funding. While Drexel University, which absorbed the institution in 2011, cited post-pandemic attendance drops and rising costs as the reason for closure, supporters are fighting to keep it open. A William Penn Foundation offer to cover operating costs for one year is currently under review by Drexel, while Philadelphia City Council has introduced legislation to investigate the decision and protect the building from commercial sale.

via Yahoo Creators|

#academy-of-natural-sciences #culture #drexel-university

arts-and-culture24 days ago•4 min saved

Penn Foundation offers one-year lifeline for closing Philadelphia museum

The William Penn Foundation has offered to cover operating costs for the Academy of Natural Sciences museum for one year to allow time for a long-term plan. Drexel University has not accepted the offer, stating it does not provide a sustainable solution. The museum closes to the public on September 27, 2026, amid protests and city council hearings.

via Inquirer.com|

#academy-of-natural-sciences #arts-and-culture #drexel-university

local-news1 month ago•2 min saved

Drexel secures control over Academy of Natural Sciences as interim leader is appointed

Drexel University and the Academy of Natural Sciences have reached a tentative, nonbinding agreement to maintain their affiliation, with Drexel assuming control over major decisions. Patricia Wellenbach, Philadelphia’s deputy mayor, has been appointed as interim senior adviser. The museum will close on September 30, 2026, after nearly two centuries of operation.

via Inquirer.com|

#academy-of-natural-sciences #city-government #drexel-university

local-news1 month ago•19 min saved

Philadelphia's historic Academy of Natural Sciences museum to close, but officials race to save its mission

The Academy of Natural Sciences will close its 198-year-old museum on Sept. 30, 2026, due to financial losses and post-pandemic attendance declines. While the institution will continue scientific research, city and state leaders are negotiating to preserve its public mission and collections.

via WHYY|

#academy-of-natural-sciences #drexel-university #josh-shapiro

culture1 month ago•4 min saved

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

The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia will close its historic museum on September 30, 2026, after nearly 200 years of operation. The decision, announced by Drexel University and the Academy, cites declining attendance and rising operational costs. While the physical museum will cease operations, the institution’s research and 19-million-specimen collection will remain intact. Scott Cooper, the Academy’s president, is resigning, and negotiations are underway to determine the future governance and public engagement model for the organization.

via The New York Times|

#academy-of-natural-sciences #culture #dinosaur-hall

culture1 month ago•2 min saved

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

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will permanently close its Philadelphia museum on September 30, 2026, ending nearly two centuries of public operations. The decision follows years of declining attendance, rising costs, and financial strain on its parent institution, Drexel University. While the museum closes, the Academy’s 19-million-specimen collection and research operations will continue, with plans to sell the building and relocate assets. Leadership transitions and governance negotiations are underway to ensure the institution’s long-term survival.

via nbcphiladelphia.com|

#academy-of-natural-sciences #cultural-institutions #culture

culture1 month ago•7 min saved

Philadelphia's 198-year-old Academy of Natural Sciences museum to close

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will close its historic museum on September 30, 2026, citing rising costs and post-pandemic visitor declines. While the museum shuts, the institution’s research and 19-million-specimen collection will remain, with leadership seeking a new financial model.

via Inquirer.com|

#academy-of-natural-sciences #culture #drexel-university