The bell tolls for the Academy of Natural Science's museum
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So long, Dinosaur Hall. Photo: Courtesy of the Academy of Natural Sciences
It's finally here: The Academy of Natural Science's museum will close this weekend.
Why it matters: Philly is losing a nearly 200-year-old institution and one of the premier museums along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
State of play: The future of the academy, museum and collection remains uncertain.
- Leaders of the institution, which Drexel University effectively owns, continue to hash out a long-term plan with elected officials.
State of play: Britt Faulstick, a Drexel spokesperson, tells Axios there are no immediate plans to sell the academy's building at 1900 Ben Franklin Parkway.
- After the museum closes on Sunday, the building will remain in operation and continue to house the academy's collections and research activities, he added.
What we know: Philadelphians are furious.
- An online petition calling on the academy to remain open has garnered more than 68,00 signatures as of Thursday.
- Hundreds rallied IRL earlier this month outside the museum demanding officials save it.
- Meanwhile, City Council may hold hearings about the closure and potentially restrict redevelopment at the museum site.
What else: Philadelphians have shown up these past few weeks.
- Case in point: The museum, which is only open Fridays-Sundays, has seen visits reach roughly 41,000 this month, per Faulstick.
Plus: Visitors have quickly scooped up keepsakes: The museum's gift shop is nearly sold out.
What to expect: Lots of visitors at the museum this weekend.
- Tickets: $16-$22
💠Mike's thought bubble: Academy leadership really blew it.
- 1. Given the recent outpouring of support, we're left to wonder what could have been if leadership shared its financial troubles earlier on.
- 2. For leadership to announce the closure of the museum in a sterile news release is an insult to the countless people who have supported and (financially) backed the institution over the years.