A Major Loss to the Arts and Sciences in Philadelphia

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA in January 2022.

First, I learned that Drexel University ended the Photography major program back in September 2025. This is sad news to hear, considering I minored in Photography at Drexel University, and have numerous friends who were Photography majors. I loved the program, classes, and professors. It is a shame to learn future generations of Drexel University students will no longer be able to study or major in Photography.

Now, I learned that the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, a 200-year-old museum that houses over 19 million specimens, will be closing its doors for good on September 30, 2026. This museum provides learning, education, and access for the Greater Philadelphia Area — a place where kids, parents, adults, and grandparents can see dinosaur fossils and learn about the prehistoric world.

Drexel University states it is closing the Academy of Natural Sciences due to a decrease in visitors since COVID-19 and rising costs. The value of this museum is greater than profit and loss.

The ending of the Drexel University Photography major and the closing of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is a part of a bigger picture. These programs and institutions provide education for generations to come, and losing them is not just a line item — it is a loss of access.

We are losing a bit of the arts and sciences in Philadelphia, and nationwide.

#SavetheArtsandSciences #SavetheArts #SavetheSciences

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA in January 2022.