Academy of Natural Sciences

19th St. & Ben Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA

Over 17 million specimens from around the world make up the collections, displays, and magnificent dioramas in this museum. The Academy of Natural Sciences rests in the heart of Philadelphia’s cultural district and displays scientific artifacts from the Arctic to Central America, Africa, Asia, and beyond. Open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 on weekdays and until 5 p.m. on the weekends, this museum celebrates the beauty of nature and has been placing that beauty in the context of preservation since the collections were first put on display. The Academy researched environmental efforts long before it became a trend to do so.

Today its popular exhibits include a tropical garden with live Butterflies from Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. Dinosaur Hall displays more than 30 Mesozoic reptiles and offers an actual dig and fossil search to interested visitors. The Dioramas are the museum’s pride and joy, presenting landscapes and nature from around the globe. You’ll also find changing exhibits throughout the year, so your visit to the Academy of Natural Sciences is always a new and fresh experience.