Drexel University and Academy leadership announce closure due to financial challenges and changing visitor patterns
Category: Arts & Culture
As the sun sets on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a cherished institution prepares to close its doors for the last time. The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, a venerable establishment that has been a fixture in Philadelphia since its founding in 1812, will shut down its museum at the end of the month, marking a poignant chapter in the city's cultural history.
The Academy's leaders made the announcement in a letter to staff and stakeholders, stating that the museum would cease operations on September 30, 2026. The last day it will welcome visitors with regular hours is September 27, 2026. This decision comes after nearly two centuries of public engagement and education, during which the Academy has built one of the world’s most important natural history collections.
In their letter, Drexel University President Antonio Merlo and Academy Board Chair Suzanne Biemiller explained that the decision to close the museum was not made lightly. "Over time, it became clear that these were not temporary pressures, but fundamental changes in the economics of the Academy’s operational model," they stated. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted visitor patterns, and though efforts were made to rebuild attendance, rising operational costs rendered the museum unsustainable.
In recent years, the museum had already reduced its operating hours from five days a week to three, a move that underscored the financial strain on the institution. According to the Academy, 27 of its 80 employees will be directly affected by the closure, though it remains unclear if this will result in layoffs or transfers.
Founded by seven naturalists, the Academy has was an internationally recognized center for research, education, and public engagement. The museum opened to the public in 1828, becoming a pioneer in natural history education. Its collections, which include over 19 million biological specimens, fossils, and archives, have been invaluable resources for researchers and educators alike.
Dr. Scott Cooper, who has was the Academy's president and CEO for nearly nine years, announced his resignation on the same day as the museum closure was revealed. Cooper played a key role in revitalizing the Academy’s mission and advancing its public engagement efforts. He will remain involved in an advisory capacity during this transition phase.
Even as the museum closes, the Academy remains committed to its scientific mission. Leaders emphasized the importance of continuing stewardship of its vast collections and ensuring access to these resources for future generations. "We are committed to public engagement and education, and work will continue to identify new and financially sustainable opportunities for the public display of elements from its collections," the leadership stated.
These collections are not just historical artifacts; they are active tools for scientific research. The Academy’s library is one of North America’s most comprehensive repositories of natural science literature, with over 75,000 titles, including rare volumes dating back to 1529. This wealth of knowledge supports research into biodiversity, environmental change, and conservation efforts worldwide.
The decision to close the museum comes against a backdrop of financial challenges faced by Drexel University as well. The institution has been grappling with a budget deficit and declining enrollment, which has strained its resources. In the fiscal year 2025, Drexel provided approximately $8.3 million to support the Academy's operations, highlighting the financial interdependence of the two institutions.
As discussions about the Academy's future continue, both the offices of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker are involved, recognizing the Academy's significance to the community. David L. Cohen, a former Comcast executive and U.S. Ambassador to Canada, has been appointed as a third-party facilitator to guide conversations about the Academy's long-term governance and operational structure.
Biemiller expressed empathy for the loss felt by the community, stating, "The trustees of the Academy know that this news about the closure of the museum is going to be a blow to Philadelphians, and I would love for them to know we share their feelings of loss about this beloved space and place." She emphasized that the goal remains to find ways for the museum to continue in some form, whether at its current location or elsewhere.
As the Academy of Natural Sciences prepares for this transition, it faces the dual challenge of preserving its legacy and adapting to a rapidly changing educational and financial environment. The museum closure is just the first step in a broader strategy aimed at ensuring the Academy's sustainability and relevance in the years to come.
Leaders have promised to keep the community informed as plans progress, emphasizing that the Academy’s mission to inspire care for the natural world will endure. The decision to close the museum may signify a painful but necessary pivot, allowing the institution to focus on its core scientific assets and research endeavors.
In a time when many institutions are reevaluating their roles and missions, the Academy of Natural Sciences stands at a crossroads. It must navigate the challenges of financial sustainability and public engagement, all the whilst remaining true to its storied legacy. As the sun sets on September 30, the community will undoubtedly feel the weight of this change, but the hope remains that the Academy will find new ways to connect with the public and continue its important work in the years ahead.
For 200 years, the Academy has inspired generations through its commitment to natural history and education. As it embarks on this new chapter, the Academy’s leadership and community are tasked with ensuring that its remarkable legacy continues to thrive.