Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

What's On

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Botany of Nations

Retells the Lewis and Clark expedition through Indigenous ecological knowledge, pairing the Academy's historic Lewis and Clark Herbarium specimens with contemporary Native voices.

Now showing28 Mar – 14 Feb 2027$22

Native Plants on the Parkway: A Botany of Nations Garden

An outdoor living demonstration garden on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway planted with species native to Northeastern North America, extending the Botany of Nations story outside.

Now showing11 May – 14 Feb 2027$22

Permanent Collections

Gallery Highlights

Standout specimens spread across the museum's three levels, from the mollusc collection to the What Eats What food-chain display of research-grade natural history material.

Permanent collection$22

Outside In

An indoor discovery centre for children aged roughly 3-8, with live animals, animal habitats to investigate, a fossil dig and hands-on natural history activities.

Permanent collection$22

Secrets of the Diorama

Goes behind the glass to reveal how the Academy's dioramas were made, with touchable taxidermy materials, videos and hands-on activities.

Permanent collection$22

Dinosaur Hall

Over 30 dinosaur and Mesozoic species, including a 42-foot Tyrannosaurus rex, the returned Hadrosaurus foulkii skeleton, a Torosaurus skull and dinosaur eggs.

Permanent collection$22

Dioramas

Thirty-seven hand-crafted dioramas recreating wildlife habitats from Africa, Asia and North America, painted and built by generations of Academy artists.

Permanent collection$22

The Big Dig

A hands-on palaeontology pit where visitors brush away sediment to uncover casts of Lambeosaurus skulls and Ornithomimus claws, plus a magnetic Cretaceous play wall.

Permanent collection$22

Nearby

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The Franklin Institute

Children3 min walk

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Barnes Foundation

Design5 min walk

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Rodin Museum

Architecture7 min walk

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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) and 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 Gallery Highlights, Native Plants on the Parkway: A Botany of Nations Garden and Outside In.

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.