Natural History Museum

The Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia has closed its doors while a fight continues over plans to reopen the institution. The closure leaves one of the oldest natural history museums in the United States shuttered, with those involved disputing how and when it should welcome visitors again. Details about the parties in the dispute and the reopening timeline remain limited.

The Academy of Natural Sciences, a landmark natural history museum in Philadelphia, has closed its doors to the public. Reports note the closure may not be permanent, with indications the institution could reopen in some form in the future. The closure marks the end of a long run for one of the oldest natural science institutions in the United States.

Supporters of Philadelphia's Academy of Natural Sciences staged a final campaign to save the institution, with demonstrators wearing dinosaur costumes and carrying signs outside the museum. The Academy has faced threats to its operations, and advocates are using the public push to draw attention and pressure decision-makers before an expected turning point for the landmark natural history museum.