Beloved for its dinosaurs and nearly two centuries of public science education, the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia closed this week after prolonged local efforts to keep it open fell short.
The museum, which first exhibited dinosaur skeletons in 1868 and was approaching its 200th anniversary, had become a cherished institution for generations of children and adults. The closure followed an intense campaign by residents, elected officials and members of the scientific community to prevent the shutdown, but those efforts were unable to reverse the decision.
Staff and supporters had rallied around the museum as a cultural and educational resource, highlighting its long history and role in both public exhibits and scientific research. Even with that advocacy, the museum’s doors were shuttered this week, marking the end of an era for one of Philadelphia’s landmark institutions.
Photographs from the final days show staff and patrons near the dinosaur galleries that had been a centerpiece since the late 19th century, underscoring the deep local attachment to the institution.
Source: npr.org
