The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia will close its Parkway museum after nearly 200 years, with staff informed on Sept. 1, 2026 and the public closing set for Sept. 27, 2026. Declining attendance, pandemic-related losses and rising costs prompted the move, which the Academy says will let it concentrate resources on collections and scientific research. Supporters have appealed to lawmakers and corporations for emergency funding, while final visits are expected to be busy given the reduced Friday–Sunday schedule.
Historic Academy Of Natural Sciences To Close Parkway Museum After Nearly 200 Years
Image Credit: Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia has announced plans to close its Parkway museum, ending nearly 200 years of continuous operation at that location. The institution — long considered the oldest natural history museum in the United States — has welcomed generations of families, school groups and visitors from around the world.
Officials say years of declining attendance led the museum to trim hours to three days a week (Friday–Sunday) as a cost-saving measure. Still, rising operating costs and a steep downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic left the Academy unable to sustain the Parkway site. Staff were notified of the decision on Sept. 1, 2026, and the museum is scheduled to close to the public on Sept. 27, 2026, according to reports from 6ABC and CBS News.
The Parkway location has been known for its hands-on learning experiences and a popular dinosaur gallery that includes a towering T. rex skeleton. For decades the museum served as a classroom for students and a weekend destination for families, offering interactive exhibits alongside research collections and educational programming.
"Continuing to operate the museum in its current building would place increasing pressure on resources required to safeguard collections and sustain the research enterprise,"
"Closing the current Parkway museum is a difficult decision taken to concentrate resources on the Academy's enduring scientific assets and research."
The announcement prompted an outpouring of online reaction, with supporters appealing for emergency funding and tagging elected officials and private companies — including Comcast and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro — in hopes of a last-minute rescue. Some longtime supporters described the news as a profound loss for Philadelphia and for public science education nationally.
Those hoping to make a final visit should note the reduced Friday–Sunday schedule; heightened interest may mean tickets sell out quickly. Visitors are advised to check the Academy's official website for updated hours, ticketing details and any announcements about the future of the collections and research programs.
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