The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia will permanently close its museum at the end of September after over 200 years of operation. Visitors can see its exhibits, including dinosaur halls and interactive galleries, until September 30. The closure is due to rising operational costs and decreased visitor numbers, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the museum will close, the Academy will continue focusing on research and scientific education, maintaining its extensive collection of over 19 million specimens. Leadership aims to explore new public engagement and remote education opportunities to ensure the institution’s legacy continues despite the loss of in-person visits.
