Story thread · 2 reports / 2 sources

Academy of Natural Sciences closes its doors, but it may not be gone forever

nbcphiladelphia.com · 6h · first reportShare

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University closed its doors to the public Sunday as supporters continued pushing for a funding agreement they say could keep the Philadelphia museum open for at least another year. Visitors stood in line in the rain and wind Sunday afternoon for what could be their final visit to the Academy, while organizers with Save the Academy handed out pamphlets, gathered petition signatures and urged Drexel to accept an offer from the William Penn Foundation. The museum received an offer from the William Penn Foundation on Friday to cover operating costs for at least another year while it figures out a path forward. In response to the offer, a Drexel spokesperson told NBC10, “we look forward to continuing conversations … as part of our ongoing evaluation to find a long-term sustainable future.” A mobile billboard outside the museum Sunday carried a direct message: “TAKE THE DEAL.” “I think it’s a toss up at this point. So public pressure is critical, whi