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.