PHILADELPHIA, January 14, 2020

This spring the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University offers new opportunities to engage with nature and the environment through photography, live animals, hands-on science, and beer.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit opens March 29 with 100 photographs featuring the world’s best nature photography and wildlife photojournalism. The Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival ushers in a wealth of films that celebrate the beauty of the earth and the critical challenges it faces.

April ushers in a full week of activities in celebration of Earth Day and a fun nature walk with Academy scientists to identify as many insects, plants and birds as can be found. Survival of the Slowest, with an up-close encounter with a two-toed sloth and other live animals, continues through the summer. Once a month raise a glass to T. rex at Dinos After Dark with a pop-up beer garden conveniently located in the Academy’s Dinosaur Hall. 

Here is the schedule of exhibits and events for April, May and June. For details, updates and discounted tickets, visit ansp.org.

Special Exhibit

Survival of the Slowest

Saturday, Feb. 15 through Sunday, Sept. 20

Sometimes being slow or adept at hiding can be an animal’s best survival strategy. Survival of the Slowest explores the fascinating adaptations certain animals have evolved over millions of years in order to avoid being someone else’s lunch. Get up close to a dozen live species including a two-toed sloth, African pygmy hedgehog, Asian forest scorpion, Massasauga rattlesnake, and more. Talk with the animal keeper and observe the animals being fed. Discover how being slow and small can be an advantage in the wild over being fast and big. This exhibit is in Spanish and English. The Academy is only its second showing in the U.S.

Special Exhibit

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Sunday, March 29 through Sunday, Aug. 23

Wildlife Photographer of the Year harnesses the power of photography to promote the discovery, understanding and responsible enjoyment of the natural world. Organized and produced by the Natural History Museum in London, it is one of the longest running and most prestigious photography competitions in the world. The exhibit of 100 winning images features the world’s best nature photography and wildlife photojournalism. These stunning photographs tell thought-provoking stories about our planet that prompt us to think differently about the natural world and the future we want to create.

Spring Break Camp

April 9, 10, 13 and 14, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

Kids ages 5–12 are invited to spend their spring break at the Academy of Natural Sciences, where science runs wild. Each day includes a live presentation by an Academy teacher-naturalist, exploration of the exhibits, plus games., crafts and other fun activities. For details, fees and registration, visit https://bit.ly/36AfWjN

Earth Week

Wednesday–Wednesday, April 15–22, All day

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with a week of special activities, lectures, movies and immersive programs for both adults and families. Enjoy pay-what-you-wish admission on Earth Day itself, Wednesday, April 22. Learn how you can help make the planet a better place as we take action both locally and around the world. Find out how you can start at home with small changes to spark big actions.

Dinos After Dark

Friday, April 17, 4–8 p.m.

Philadelphia’s dinosaur museum is open late tonight with pay-what-you-wish admission, a pop-up Dino Drafts beer garden with food, and fun activities. The Academy welcomes adults and also families with kids to enjoy the museum after dark. Suggested donation: $10. Partial proceeds from Dino Drafts benefit the Academy.

ANS Nature Walk, a City Nature Challenge Event

Sunday, April 26, 1 p.m.

The City Nature Challenge is a national competition to record as many observations about nature in a few short days. Join Academy scientists on a nature walk to find and identify the plants, insects and birds that inhabit the trail and log them into iNaturalist. From 1-2 p.m., join Academy scientists as they identify the plants and pollinators of Logan Square and the neighborhood around the Academy. At 2 p.m., Academy scientists will head out for a nature walk on the Schuylkill Banks trail. Join in as they explore the living things that can be found on an urban trail.

Dinos After Dark and Drexel Day of Giving

Wednesday, May 6, 4–8 p.m.

This special edition of Dinos After Dark supports the Drexel University Day of Giving. Philadelphia’s dinosaur museum is open late tonight with pay-what-you-wish admission, a pop-up Dino Drafts beer garden with food, and fun activities. The Academy welcomes adults and also families with kids to enjoy the museum after dark. Suggested donation: $10. Partial proceeds from Dino Drafts benefit the Academy.

Mother’s Day Special

Sunday, May 10

Bring your favorite adult to the Academy for free and celebrate Mother’s Day together. Enjoy the towering dinosaurs, live shows, live tropical butterflies, and all your favorite exhibits. Discover some you’ve never seen before.

Door 19: Sins of Sci-Fi

Thursday, June 11, 6–9 p.m.

Door 19 is an evening soirée featuring quirky science, potent libations, off-script tours, and more. This month explore the bad science behind some of the most popular science fiction movies. Find out what Jurassic Park, Evolution!, Sharknado, and other awesome science fiction movies got right and so, so wrong. Take a rare chance to see incredible specimens behind the scenes. Meet the Academy’s funniest scientists and see the weirdest objects that have been featured in films since the first giant ants terrorized New Mexico. Mad scientists are welcome for an offbeat evening with live music, fabulous food and an open bar. For more information, visit ansp.org/door19.

Father’s Day Special

Sunday, June 21

Bring your favorite adult to the Academy for free and celebrate Father’s Day together. Enjoy the towering dinosaurs, live shows, live tropical butterflies, and all your favorite exhibits. Discover some you’ve never seen before.

Dinos After Dark

Friday, June 26, 4–8 p.m.