Back to museums

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

ChildrenNatural HistoryScienceClosed todayFrom $22Race–Vine (SEPTA Broad Street Line)

Founded in 1812, the Academy of Natural Sciences is the oldest natural science research institution and museum in the Americas, and has been part of Drexel University since 2011. Its Logan Square home on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway holds more than 17 million specimens, including the world's third-largest malacology collection and the Lewis and Clark Herbarium. Visitors come for Dinosaur Hall, where a 42-foot Tyrannosaurus rex shares the floor with Hadrosaurus foulkii, and for 37 meticulously hand-crafted wildlife dioramas that have been drawing crowds for generations. Hands-on spaces such as Outside In and The Big Dig make it one of Philadelphia's most family-friendly museums.

What's On

Now
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb

Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States

Nearest station: Race–Vine (SEPTA Broad Street Line), Suburban Station (SEPTA Regional Rail), 19th Street (SEPTA Market–Frankford Line)

Show on map

Hours

MonClosed
TueClosed
WedClosed
ThuTodayClosed
Fri10:00–17:00
Sat10:00–17:00
Sun10:00–17:00

Admission

From $22

Children 2-12 $18, under 2 free; seniors 65+, students and military $19; members free. $2 discount when booking online.

Nearby

The Franklin Institute

Children3 min walk

Barnes Foundation

Design5 min walk

Rodin Museum

Architecture7 min walk

Mütter Museum

History7 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University cost?
Standard adult admission to Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is $22. Children 2-12 $18, under 2 free; seniors 65+, students and military $19; members free. $2 discount when booking online.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
What are the opening hours of Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University?
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is open Friday to Sunday, 10am-5pm. Closed Monday to Thursday. Sensory Friendly Mornings on select weekend days from 9am.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University?
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is located at 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States, in the Logan Square area of Philadelphia. The nearest stations are Race–Vine (SEPTA Broad Street Line), Suburban Station (SEPTA Regional Rail), 19th Street (SEPTA Market–Frankford Line).
What can I see at Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University?
America's oldest natural history museum: 17 million specimens, a 42-foot T. rex and 37 hand-painted dioramas. Current highlights include Botany of Nations, Dioramas, The Big Dig.
Do I need to book Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
When is the best time to visit Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.

ajay_suresh, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

DirectionsVisit Website