The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is a natural history museum and research institution located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 2026 travel guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips to help you plan your visit.
If planning to visit several Philadelphia attractions, you can make substantial savings with the Go City Philadelphia Pass.
This guide was last updated in February 2026 and reflects the current operating schedule which restricts general public admission to Friday through Sunday.
Quick facts for your visit
| Category | Information |
| Opening hours | Friday–Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Ticket prices | Adults: $22.00; Children (2–12): $18.00 |
| Address | 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19103 |
| Nearest public transport | SEPTA Bus Routes 32, 33, 38, or 48 |
| Typical time needed | 2 to 3 hours |
Academy of Natural Sciences opening hours
The Academy of Natural Sciences opening hours are currently Friday through Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The museum is closed to the general public from Monday to Thursday, although special events or educational programmes may occasionally be held on these days.
Academy of Natural Sciences ticket prices
Academy of Natural Sciences ticket prices at the door are $22.00 for adults (age 13+) and $18.00 for children (ages 2–12). Seniors (65+), military members, and students with valid ID pay $19.00. You can save $2.00 per ticket by purchasing them in advance on the official website.
The museum is included in the Go City Philadelphia Pass. These city passes also provide entry to several other major attractions, including the Battleship New Jersey, The Franklin Institute, the Eastern State Penitentiary, and the Museum of the American Revolution.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
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How to get to the Academy of Natural Sciences
The Academy of Natural Sciences is located on Logan Square. Visitors using public transport can take SEPTA bus routes 32, 33, 38, or 48, which have stops within one block of the museum. The site is also a 10-minute walk from the Suburban Station regional rail hub and the 15th Street Station on the Market-Frankford Line.
Parking at Academy of Natural Sciences
There is no dedicated on-site car park for the museum. However, parking at the Academy of Natural Sciences is facilitated by a partnership with the Logan Square Parking Garage at 1815 Cherry Street. Visitors can have their parking tickets validated at the museum’s front desk to receive a discounted rate.
How long to spend at the Academy of Natural Sciences
A typical visit to the Academy of Natural Sciences takes 2 to 3 hours. This allows enough time to view the major galleries, including the Dinosaur Hall and the dioramas, and to participate in a live animal presentation or spend time in the butterfly exhibit.
Accessibility at the Academy of Natural Sciences
The Academy of Natural Sciences is fully accessible to visitors using wheelchairs or mobility aids. All floors are reachable via lifts, and the main entrance on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is equipped with power-assisted doors. Wheelchairs are available at the coat check on a first-come, first-served basis.
What to see at the Academy of Natural Sciences
The Dinosaur Hall is the most prominent exhibit, featuring over 30 dinosaur skeletons, including a 42-foot Tyrannosaurus rex. Visitors can also view the Fossil Prep Lab, where scientists work on real specimens.
Butterflies! is a permanent, live tropical garden exhibit. It contains dozens of species of butterflies from Central and South America, East Africa, and Southeast Asia flying freely in a climate-controlled environment.
The museum’s Dioramas provide windows into various ecosystems from three different continents. These 37 lifelike scenes depict animals in their natural habitats and serve as both artistic displays and scientific records of the natural world.
Outside In is a hands-on discovery centre designed for children aged three to eight. It allows younger visitors to touch live animals, explore a crawl-through log, and examine natural specimens under a microscope.
The Special Exhibition Gallery hosts rotating displays that change throughout the year. These exhibits often cover specific themes such as biodiversity, climate science, or particular animal groups like frogs or crocodiles.
Practical visitor tips
| Topic | Advice |
| Booking | Purchase tickets online to save $2.00 per person and avoid queues. |
| Timing | Arrive at 10:00 am on Fridays for the quietest experience. |
| Layout | Use the museum floor plan available at the front desk to navigate the three levels. |
| Storage | A coat check is available near the entrance for small bags and jackets. |
| Food | The Academy Cafe is located on the ground floor for light meals and snacks. |
Frequently asked questions about the Academy of Natural Sciences
| Query | Answer |
| Is the Academy of Natural Sciences suitable for children? | Yes, it features interactive exhibits and hands-on discovery centres for all ages. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Academy of Natural Sciences? | It is not required, but online booking provides a discount on admission. |
| Is the Academy of Natural Sciences open on Sundays? | Yes, the museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every Sunday. |
| Are bags allowed at theAcademy of Natural Sciences? | Small bags are allowed, but large backpacks must be checked at the coat check. |
Things to do near the Academy of Natural Sciences
The museum’s location on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway places it within walking distance of several other paid cultural sites:
- The Franklin Institute: A major science museum located directly across Logan Square.
- The Barnes Foundation: An art collection featuring Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.
- The Rodin Museum: A museum dedicated to the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin.
- Philadelphia Museum of Art: The city’s primary art museum, located at the end of the Parkway, and home of the infamous Rocky Steps.
