PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The Academy of Natural Sciences will close its Parkway museum at the end of the month, ending a nearly 200-year run as a destination for generations of visitors.
The museum, founded in 1812 and opened to the public in 1828, has long been a fixture for families, students and educators.
News of the closure left many visitors disappointed as they reflected on memories made inside the institution’s galleries and exhibits.
“I think it’s a loss to Philadelphia,” said Marcia Halbert of Germantown.
Halbert, 97, said she visited the museum with her children and brought students there during her career as a teacher.
The museum, described as the oldest natural history museum, is known for its dinosaur exhibits, interactive experiences and towering Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.
Visitors said those attractions helped inspire curiosity and create lasting family memories.
“He read about it in the books, then to see them in person, that was a neat experience. Having it when I was a kid, then him to experience it,” said Denise Lucke of Northeast Philadelphia.
Alicia Connery of Cherry Hill said visits to the museum gave children a chance to connect with science firsthand.
“They would dig up dinosaur bones, see the real bones and everything; it was pretty cool. That stinks it’s closing,” Connery said.
Staff members were notified of the closure in the morning. According to the academy, visitation has declined despite efforts to rebuild following the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the museum reduced its operating schedule from five days a week to three.
“It will definitely be missed because you can do so much in this small area,” said Khadijah Gilbert of Southwest Philadelphia.
In a statement explaining the decision, the Academy said in part:
“Continuingto operate the museum in its current building would place increasing pressure on resources required to safeguard collections and sustain the research enterprise. Closing the current Parkway museum is a difficult decision taken to concentrate resources on the Academy’s enduring scientific assets and research.”
Connery said the museum offered a sense of excitement and discovery that kept visitors returning.
“You feel like a kid again. You go in there, everything is so exciting; you learn something new every time you come. It’s not like you go in and see the same stuff each time,” she said.
While the academy’s research operations will continue, the museum’s last day open to the public will be Sunday, Sept. 27. The institution will cease operations on Sept. 30.
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