Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is the oldest natural science research institution in the Americas. Formerly the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, it was founded in 1812, by many of the leading naturalists of the young American republic with an expressed mission of "the encouragement and cultivation of the sciences". Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, it has sponsored expeditions, conducted original environmental and systematics research, and amassed natural history collections containing more than 17 million specimens. As a museum the Academy also organized public exhibits and educational programs for both schools and the general public. On September 1, 2026, Drexel University announced that the museum would close its doors on September 30, with the museum's last day open to the public with regular hours being the 27th. The backlash was instant, causing local and national groups to protest and rally to keep the museum's doors open to the public.