Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Natural science museum on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, United States
Description
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is a natural history museum along Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia focused on paleontology and living organisms. The building comprises multiple floors with exhibition rooms for taxidermied animals, geological collections, and a tropical butterfly house.
History
Scientists founded the institution in 1812 as an independent research society, long before other comparable institutions emerged in North America. Drexel University assumed management in 2011, enabling extensive modernization of laboratories and collections.
Culture
The institution runs active research programs where families and school groups can observe living insects and fossils up close. Interactive rooms allow visitors to participate in scientific methods themselves, examining specimens under microscopes.
Practical
Visitors should plan at least two hours to see the main exhibitions, with weekdays often less crowded than weekends. The entrance is located on 19th Street, and a coat check area is available for coats and larger bags.
Did you know?
The archives hold over 17 million biological and geological objects, including specimens brought back from 19th-century expeditions. Some drawers contain tiny birds and eggshells that naturalists collected more than 150 years ago.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Philadelphia).
Philadelphia contains major sites from the American founding era alongside diverse museums and urban architecture. The Old City holds Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while Independence National Historical Park encompasses several 18th-century buildings. Elfreth's Alley preserves colonial-era...
Barnes Foundation
455 m
Comcast Technology Center
231 m
Franklin Institute
241 m
Comcast Center
348 m
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
239 m
Benjamin Franklin National Memorial
207 m
Logan Circle
114 m
Philadelphia Pennsylvania Temple
355 m
Swann Memorial Fountain
136 m
Bell Atlantic Tower
251 m
1818 Market Street
428 m
G. Fred DiBona Jr. Building
342 m
Parkway Central Library
298 m
Two Logan Square
181 m
One Logan Square
119 m
Murano
459 m
The Ideal Scout
419 m
Family Court Building
114 m
1835 Market Street
360 m
2000 Market Street
441 m
All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors
170 m
Bell Telephone Company Building
84 m
Insurance Company of North America Building
436 m
Aero Memorial
155 m
Board of Education Building
435 m
Francis McIlvain House
188 m
Larkin–Belber Building
473 m
Penn Center Suburban Station
442 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes