The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

‘The Undisputed Center of Natural Sciences in the United States’

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University was once called the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. 200 Years of research and discovery, and still expanding young minds.

History

The Academy’s history mirrors the evolution of the relationship between the American people and the natural world. Founded in 1812, The Academy of Natural Sciences is the oldest continually operating natural history museum and science research institution of its kind in the World. The Academy over the years has sponsored expeditions, has conducted original environmental and systematic research, and now contains scientific collections of  more than 17 million specimens.

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University Experience & Atmosphere

Where can one go and see a fully constructed Tyranosaurus rex, one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs or climb inside a Tyrannosaurus rex skull, try on horns and claws, and dig for fossils.
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

The Academy has a long tradition of public exhibits and educational programs for both schools and the general public. Not only can you see lots of dinosaurs and other prehistoric beasts, you can even stop and see a real paleontologist working on fossil. There are some very cool exhibits, from dinosaurs to wildlife.

There are so many discoveries shared among four floors inside the Academy of Natural Sciences. Included is a tropical rain forrest, large animals acquired from the 1920’s and 1930’s, butterflies from Kenya and Costa Rica, and even live animal shows. Just as if you were at the Philadelphia Zoo, there are some animals that live at the Academy because they cannot be released to the wild.

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is primarily a family attraction, with a lot of educational things geared towards kids. You need to check out the many events and activities such as bug fest, tiny tot explorers, safari overnights, and much more.

Location

1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Hours

Monday – Friday  |  10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday & Sunday & Holidays  |  10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Phone

(215) 299-1000

Web Site

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

Photos courtesy of  The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University (except main picture; from MyPhillyAlive)



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