# Academy of Natural Sciences museum closure

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/academy-of-natural-sciences-museum-closure
> Updated: 2026-09-09T14:48:57.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University has announced the permanent closure of its Philadelphia museum, which has been in operation since 1828. The decision was driven by financial challenges, rising operating costs, and changes in visitation patterns following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leadership stated that the closure is intended to protect the Academy’s scientific mission and ensure the long-term stewardship of its collections, which include approximately 19 million biological specimens, fossils, and scientific archives. While the museum was previously scheduled to close on September 30, recent updates indicate the permanent closure will occur on September 27.

The museum holds significant historical importance as the oldest natural history museum in the Americas, featuring one of the world’s largest bird collections, the country’s fourth-largest mollusk collection, and a notable Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. 

The announcement has sparked public outcry, with hundreds of people rallying outside the museum in opposition. In response to the closure, leadership has stated plans to relocate the renowned collections and fossils to a different location for future display. In conjunction with the closure, Academy president and CEO Scott Cooper is resigning from his position.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University to close permanently

Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will close on September 27 due to rising costs and declining attendance, despite public protests and plans to relocate its 19 million specimens.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/academy-of-natural-sciences-of-drexel-university-to-close-permanently

### 2026-09-04: Academy of Natural Sciences museum to close on September 30

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will close its Philadelphia museum on September 30 due to rising costs and changing audience behaviors.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/academy-of-natural-sciences-museum-to-close-on-september-30

### 2026-09-01: Academy of Natural Sciences to close Philadelphia museum

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will close its Philadelphia museum by late September due to declining visitation and rising costs, aiming to protect its 19 million scientific specimens.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/academy-of-natural-sciences-to-close-philadelphia-museum

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Cite as: Academy of Natural Sciences museum closure. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/academy-of-natural-sciences-museum-closure