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The Academy of Natural Sciences is cutting its hours because of low attendance and federal funding cuts

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 15:19 GMT by Philadelphia Inquirer
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Academy Natural Sciences Opens its Doors for a Special Weekend of Exploration

On Friday, September 26, the Academy Natural Sciences of Drexel University announced a special weekend event that is drawing science lovers, families, and curious minds from across the city. Titled “Weekend Hours: A Deep Dive into Nature,” the event promises an immersive experience at the museum’s flagship campus on Walnut Hill, offering extended hours, hands‑on activities, and a curated showcase of the institution’s latest research and exhibitions.

Why the Academy is Hosting a Weekend

The Academy Natural Sciences is one of the oldest natural history museums in the United States, boasting an impressive collection that spans paleontology, ornithology, marine biology, and more. In recent years, the museum has been expanding its educational programs to reach a broader audience, and the weekend event is part of an ongoing effort to make science more accessible and engaging. According to a spokesperson from the Academy’s public relations team, the goal is to “invite the community to experience science in a dynamic and interactive way that goes beyond the traditional museum tour.”

The initiative is especially timely as the Academy is preparing for a major renovation of its “Evolution of Life” wing, which will showcase a new, state‑of‑the‑art dinosaur exhibit. The weekend hours allow visitors to see the upcoming updates, as well as a temporary display featuring the museum’s recent fossil discoveries, which have garnered national attention.

What to Expect: Activities, Exhibits, and Highlights

Extended Museum Hours

The Academy is extending its usual opening hours to accommodate the weekend crowd. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, visitors will have ample time to explore each gallery at their own pace. The museum’s website lists the extended schedule, and a reminder post on the Academy’s social media feeds encourages visitors to plan their trip accordingly.

Interactive Science Stations

One of the event’s standout features is a series of hands‑on science stations set up in the “Living Earth” and “Planet Earth” galleries. Children and adults alike can engage with interactive displays that let them simulate geological processes, such as plate tectonics, and observe how different organisms adapt to changing environments. The Academy’s science educator, Dr. Maya Patel, says the stations are designed to spark curiosity and inspire future scientists.

Live Presentations and Q&A Sessions

The museum will host several live talks throughout the weekend. Among them is a presentation by Dr. Alejandro Gomez, a paleontologist from the Academy’s Research Institute. He will discuss the significance of the recently discovered Late Cretaceous marine reptiles found in the Delaware Basin. Another session will feature a local biologist, who will guide visitors through a virtual walk through the Academy’s wetlands restoration project.

The Q&A format allows visitors to interact directly with the scientists, providing a unique opportunity to ask questions that might otherwise be too niche for a general audience. The Academy has scheduled the sessions in a small auditorium near the “Earth in Motion” exhibit, ensuring an intimate setting for dialogue.

Special Exhibits

A temporary exhibition titled “From Fossils to Futures” will be showcased on the museum’s third floor. The display chronicles the Academy’s contributions to scientific discovery over the past decade, highlighting key breakthroughs in genetics, climate science, and conservation. Visitors can explore a digital timeline that incorporates interactive storytelling, 3D models of reconstructed skeletons, and behind‑the‑scenes footage of fieldwork.

Another highlight is the “Sky Above: The Night Sky” exhibit, a temporary installation that combines light‑art installations with an up‑to‑date star chart. The exhibit is designed to illustrate the relationship between astronomical events and Earth’s natural cycles.

Community Outreach and Partnerships

The Academy has partnered with local schools and community groups to broaden the reach of the weekend event. The museum offers free admission for students and educators participating in field‑trip programs, and the “Field Trip Pass” can be redeemed online through the Academy’s educational portal. Additionally, the museum has collaborated with the Philadelphia Zoo to create a cross‑institutional “Wildlife Wednesday” promotion, encouraging families to visit both venues for a discounted combined ticket.

The event is also a platform for the Academy’s ongoing conservation efforts. A portion of the proceeds from the weekend’s ticket sales will go to the “Sustain the Earth” initiative, which funds research on endangered species and habitat preservation.

Logistics and Visitor Information

Location & Parking

The Academy is located at 2001 Walnut Hill Road, Philadelphia. Parking is available in the museum’s underground lot for a flat fee of $5. On weekdays, the lot is free, but the weekend event will require pre‑booking for parking spaces via the Academy’s website.

Health and Safety Protocols

In line with local health guidelines, visitors are encouraged to wear masks in crowded areas and to bring hand sanitizer. The Academy’s staff will monitor crowd density in key exhibits and enforce appropriate social distancing.

Accessibility

The Academy remains committed to accessibility, offering wheelchairs for loan, tactile guides for the visually impaired, and sign‑language interpreters for scheduled talks. The museum’s website includes a detailed accessibility guide for visitors with special needs.

Final Thoughts

The Academy Natural Sciences’ “Weekend Hours” event stands out as a compelling example of how museums can blend education, entertainment, and community outreach. By extending hours, offering interactive stations, and hosting live talks, the Academy has created an environment where science feels approachable and exciting. The event is also an excellent opportunity for families and students to connect with real scientists, see cutting‑edge research up close, and learn about conservation issues that affect everyone.

For anyone interested in nature, history, or the sciences, the weekend at the Academy Natural Sciences is not to be missed. Mark your calendars, bring your curiosity, and get ready to explore the world from a new perspective.