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Historic Academy of Natural Sciences Museum in Philadelphia to Close Sept. 30

On Tuesday, Drexel University and the Academy of Natural Sciences announced the museum on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will permanently close on Sept. 30, 2026, ending nearly 200 years of public access to its natural history collections.
"Patterns of visitation and audience behavior changed in lasting ways," the announcement explained, citing rising operational costs that imperiled the Academy's ability to sustain its mission. These fundamental economic shifts rendered the current operational model unsustainable.
Simultaneously, Academy president and CEO Scott Cooper is stepping down immediately, while the closure impacts 27 of the institution's 80 employees. The boards will continue working to identify an appropriate governance structure and leadership for the Academy.
Research and the 19 million specimens in the Academy's collection will remain housed in the Parkway structure. Leadership noted the closure is "just the first step in the larger project of building a sustainable future."
Gov. Josh Shapiro, Mayor Cherelle Parker, and third-party facilitator David L. Cohen are involved in ongoing discussions regarding the Academy's long-term future, aiming to strengthen its scientific mission and ensure access to collections.

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